What Killed this Website?

[1937hd45]

At one time this was a fun site to visit, what killed it?

[Guest]

Bob ~ It may have lost its fascination for some, like you and me, but probably is still relevent to many others. I think that after 5 years of active involvement some of us may just have burned out. The direction and focus has changed considerably from the early years. I view that as neither good nor bad, just evolution. I may be too old to evolve further.

hvs

[Guest trevor ward]

Bob...,

Perhaps a bit steep, to be saying it has been killed!!??

I still have the forum page as my home page and a daily look see always has

me finding something of interest I think maybe if you got used to

certain members being on the forum, and that some have drifted away, then

possibly the appeal for you personally has dwindled, but most of the usual

suspects are still around....

I shall carry on enjoying, <span style="font-weight: bold">without</span> scaremongering...

Just my thoughts...

Trevor... '64 Le Sabre.... enjoying the summer

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Dang, I thought I had been having fun...

[Guest imported_Joe Kieliszek]

Been too busy tightnen loose rivets on my Buick frame..

Joe Kieliszek

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

HVS wrote: "The direction and focus has changed considerably from the early years. "

Will u explain that please??

Most of my interest in any online forum is for tech/informational needs. This is a great site for tech/info.

[bschemesc/rambler]

I check out the forum everyday and like it a lot. I have been reading and learning a lot on here.I haven't been posting a lot as I thought I might have burned you guys out on Hurst SC/Rambler stuff.

thanks,

Matt

[Guest]

If you had been around this forum longer you might better understand the point I was making.

Since tech information is your bag, you might consider this. Some of us us get tired of the same questions being asked over and over and over again. For example. "I want to convert my 6 volt system to 12 volts." After addressing that issue 6 or more times, some who could best address it ceased to bother. Some people just don't comprehend the SEARCH function. There is a lot of information available through SEARCH, but some find it easier to ask for constant reinvention of the wheel.

As for being a "great site for tech information," be careful how you apply some of the tech advice given on here. Not all expert offerings are expert or valid. You had better not blindly accept all offered advice as being correct or safe.

And due to lack of interest, I will not try to explain further.

hvs

[novaman]

Back when I got started on the forum, it was a lot like going to a car show and meeting up with old friends. The threads read for the most part like good friends chatting about old cars, fried rings of dough covered in glazing, (not allowed to use the words *rispy *reme anymore. *="K") and a lot of good natured poking fun at each other, as a lot of us knew each other to some degree. Then we had new members joining us telling us how we should run the forum and others that thought they knew it all. Personally, we have become too Politically Correct. What do we do at Hershey in the early morning or evenings? Eat something and shoot the bull. What do we usually do on tours? Drive 40 or 50 miles and stop to eat and shoot the bull, repeating the process after another 40 or 50 miles. With the forum now it is taboo to talk about doughnuts unless you're in the misc chat (the former rant 'n' rave section). The Tech, judging and editor sections haven't changed a whole lot over time. Itis mainly the general disscuion.

Personally, this forum hasn't been "fun" for about the past 2 years. I still check it out daily mainly looking for old car news since I maintain the websites for 2 regions, 15 chapters and newsletter editor for 1 region.

So as to your question "The direction and focus has changed considerably from the early years. " "Will u explain that please??" I'd say it has gone from a causal, friendly chat among old car hobbyist, to being a formal, PC (and "you better not disagree with my option" in the misc chat section) and solely about cars forum.

[HarryJ]

This is a great website! I only got a computer about a year ago ( still haven't learned how to operate it, but once I figure where to shovel the coal in and what steam pressure to operate at I hope to contribute more to this site) I'd like to post some pictures and videos so I can get some more of ya'll's good advice on how to maintain and restore my cars. Maybe it is time for the site to move to a new level; sorta like silent films to talkies or radio to TV. This is an excellent source for info on the history of the automobile, how to repair them, a forum for debate on issues relating to the automobile, etc. I think we need to advertize it's exsistence more to the general membership to encourage a greater participation.

[bschemesc/rambler]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Back when I got started on the forum, it was a lot like going to a car show and meeting up with old friends. The threads read for the most part like good friends chatting about old cars, fried rings of dough covered in glazing, (not allowed to use the words *rispy *reme anymore. *="K") and a lot of good natured poking fun at each other, as a lot of us knew each other to some degree.</div></div>

That sounds great. That is what the old car hobby is to me,just a good time with people and their cars. I will not lose the fun.

Thanks,

Matt

[K8096]

I think what happened to the Deusenberg accident thread was a big turn off to me. It sarted off as a legitimate thread, with many good, honest opinions on what happened. Then someone has to go a post a few things the moderatopr didnt like, so it gets moved to the misc. chat area. And then the thread gets deleted all together. Why not just delete the offensive post and leave the rest of the thread alone? Why bother posting if it's just going to get deleted anyway? I will also notw that the thread was left alone in the CCCA site.

[D Binger]

Bob,

One of the problem with this forum is that the <span style="font-weight: bold">MODERATORS</span> thought that they have to make comment on many threads of the forum even when they don't know a thing about the subject. Then they got the feeling that they were better than the rest of us and deleted and moved post to suit them selfs. I guess it is a power thing with some.

Then there are the those that have to answer every question. They are just posting to be posting and giving the wrong information about tech questions and judging. My thought is that bad information is worse that no information at all.

With that said - - - I am headed out of town for a few days,

Dan

[Bhigdog]

Sounds like this miserable heat and humidity has got everyone everyone in a bitchy mood. Try a nice cool shower and some Gold Bond medicated powder in your undies. ..........Bob.

[Guest Skyking]

I think what happened over the years, some folks came on and pushed the limits.....in most cases, silence is golden.

[Amphicar BUYER]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At one time this was a fun site to visit, what killed it? </div></div>

I don't view it as dead. Things work in cycles. You will get a few who are vocal and post often. Some are posting good info and some are there just to cause trouble (Trolls). There are always lots of lurkers who have opinions and good info but never participate too. It is evolving, not dieing.

You get new people who will always ask a question rather then do a search. Why? Maybe they are new the this concept, maybe the question was a way for them to be able to participate. I try to answer what I can and help them out.

Quite often it is only a small percentage of the members will ever post anything. We need to encourage those silent ones to speak up! They are usually scared off by the VERY few who feel the need to insult and just be a general PITA with no respect for themselves or the other folks in here. If a question is asked that has been on here, a polite answer or say nothing is they way. Not some smart a$$ comment about the search feature or that it has been answered before. We are all new once, just like a child it is our duty to help them understand how it works. Compassion I believe it's called.

I agree that sometimes the censorship is too much. When it come to a thread that somebody twisted into a hate-fest, don't kill the horse, just because of one hemmoroid, remove the hemmoroid and save the horse. The Duesy thread is a perfect example of this. Delete the individual comments that are the the problem not the entire thing. Good info and comments are lost because of a couple ignorant postings. Foolish and over-reaction. This in itself is enough to give new folks the impression that all threads are subject to cencorship if a moderator decides to for little if any reason.

[Guest]

Novaman ~ I think you have spoken quite well for the disenchanted, of which I am probably one.

Over the years I have been a frequent and vocal contributor and certainly not PC. I have a little background in the old car hobby and within the AACA and felt that possibly made some of my contributions worthwhile. If I started a thread that had over 50 responses, I felt that was good for the forum.

I wasn't looking for agreement or validation of my position, merely discussion in <span style="font-weight: bold">ANY</span> direction. It was disappointing to come on the forum and find the light out next to a section such as Judging or Technical or even General.

Perhaps it <span style="font-weight: bold">IS</span> just as well if some of the disenchanted just fade away and leave the forum to those who have turned it in a new direction.

hvs

[Dave@Moon]

Nostalgia just isn't what it used to be.

The early days of this forum were not perfect. Some threads were very good Algonquin round table discussions of serious issues, especially those on the future of the hobby and the recruitment of new members. But most of the posts were very mundane, and with the presence of "annonymous" posters things frequently got <span style="font-style: italic">way</span> out of hand in ways that the recent R&R sections barely approximate. Poor Peter had to keep that delete button warm 24/7.

The entire forum from 11/00 is still available for viewing (except for the really objectionable stuff Peter had to ditch). Click to the last few pages and take a look at just how it differs from today. I think today's stuff is mainly better.

[Oxnard Montalvo]

Ya got over 3200 posts, in the words of Neil Young "is there anything he knows that he ain't said?"

[dep5]

Oxnard said it best

<span style="font-style: italic">Dilettante drivel droveout departed devotees</span>

[ex98thdrill]

Howard, I found this website four years ago, and had limited posts. When I was in the middle east, this website was informative, entertaining, and a great break that helped me keep my sanity at the end of a long, hot, hectic day. I would've lost my mind without it. Without this forum people such as yourself, Wayne Burgess, Peter Heizmann, Janet Ricketts, Fran Shore, David Devine, David's father, Steve Moskowitz, etc. would've been nothing other than faces in the crowd.

Yes you get tired of answering the same questions about the same things, but understand this.... Many of these people answering these questions are new people, and new can be good for our club. Don't look at these people as not knowing how to search for things, look at it as a fresh face in the club that will carry things into the future. I'm glad it's here.

[stock_steve]

Good provocative thread title Bob.

I try to check in here a few times a week and see what's up, any subjects I have any interest in/know (or think I know) anything about. Mostly lurk, but occasionally chime in.

My own philosophy is to try and not take my hobby too seriously. I have a family and a real job, and need to keep it all in perspective. Old cars are something to have a little fun with here and there, and to enjoy friendships with others who have similar interests.

[Twitch]

K8096 & D Binger- I agree with you both wholeheartedly. If people disagree with others they simply can't be civil. They conduct themselves like juvenilles flaming other people on some Power Rangers show fansite. If it isn't the topic in question bringing out this type of behaviour it's the hijacking of the thread to distort ii into some political agenda pulpit.

Another weird thing is about this site is the fact that you can't answer to or on others comments in a thread. Your reply button only shows that particular person's comments. Most forum sites allow an answering user to view the whole thread and reply. Here if someone wishes to answer three people they make 3 replies. If you use the back button to avoid this and attempt to answer all in one reply sometimes the board loses your reply switching back and forth.

[Guest BillP]

Twitch cool picture of the very rare FW-190 with tail-feather mounted main fuel tank. A design quickly changed for obvious reasons.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Bob, I did not know the site was dead! We just spent a bunch of money to change the look and to add features. We have a lot more coming as well. I am sure you are referring to the Forum but its quality is dependent on those who choose to be active.

I see a lot of help given here to different members and overall there seems to be a lot of information flowing thru this site. Yes, some is bad, flawed or otherwise useless but a lot of the posts are very helpful.

We intend to strengthen the site in every way possible. Hopefully, more active people will liven it up for you.

I have waited awhile to reply as I wanted to see where this thread would go. Dan and others: The Duesenberg thread was removed by West and not due to the moderators. It was his post to delete or not. I think you guys are way too hard on the moderators and think that they do a great job although they are "highly compensated" for the grief. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Will they always be correct, not hardly, none of us is.

If the forum needs changes, let us know what we can do better. Overall, hopefully it provides a real service...thanks for participating.

[Guest Stllrng.]

I have been following this forum for a number of years now, and I can tell you there has only been one thing that gets on my nerves, and that is the people that seem to need to reply to EVERY post that is made. There have been a few, 4-Jaw Chuck and europeancarnut were by far the worst. You just knew that with every new post that went up you would see a response, wether it was relevent or intelligent or not. For me, that is the biggest detraction from the forum. This might not make me popular, but it is how I see it.

[Ron Green]

Quote: "At one time this was a fun site to visit, what killed it?"

Hopefully nothing. Just seems to be a little more diverse then a few years back.

1937hd45, you by far are one of the most knowledgeable prewar automotive persons on this site, barr none. Maybe there isn't as much interest in this area as there used to be? But it would certainly be a shame to lose someone who truly knows as much as you. My 2 cents.

[Guest BillP]

I'll pick up this cudgel. I posted the silly Focke-Wolfe comment above not only to demonstrate my rapier sharp wit but also to illustrate something that appears on other forums but is sorely lacking here. HUMOR!

Where's the good-natured joshing among the oltimers, the occasionally ribald jokes, the feigned insults. Everyone here is scared to death to maintain decorum and civility. I think that's one reason why it boils over into such rabid hostility in misc chat.

Post a picture of the pile of junk you towed home on one of the sites I visit and there'll be twenty responses within a couple hours ranging from, "That car's too good for you" to "I'll tow it away for you for fifty bucks" to "You suck" to "Hey, great car!"

Steve, find a way to get rid of the sour pessimism and bring in happiness.

[Steve Moskowitz]

At the risk of falling into the "Stll..." comment above, I wish I COULD find a happy pill for everyone. Having happy and satisfied members and guests is very important to us. I will stay up late in the lab tonight to see what I can do! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Stllrng.]

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy and I come here almost every day. I was just pointing out something that I find annoying. I thought it might annoy others as well and be having an effect on the forum.

[Guest imported_jmarsicano]

Steve-

I for one, am very happy to have sites like this one. Thank you.

[Guest Randy Berger]

I still enjoy this site, although Packards are tucked away in their own corner.

I read a lot of the other forums as well. I don't have any expertise with many

of the cars on here and so I limit my comments but I do enjoy reading solutions

to problems, etc.

I don't enjoy people stealing threads to climb on their soapbox, but sometimes a

thread gets stolen inadvertently because someone brings up a relative subject

and people respond to that - not a crime just enthusiasm.

I thought I got so much benefit out of this forum that I just joined the AACA.

[novaman]

Stllrng., you were right about some folks being "annoying" for the lack of a better word and I know they were on a lot of peoples nerves.

Dave@moon mentioned the "anonymous" posters. I'm not sure if you still can post as an "anonymous". I know that several years ago a bunch of forum users were pushing that it be a requirement to register in order to post. One problem we were having is trying to reply to one "anonymous" post when there were 10 or 15 of them in one thread. Made for confusion.

twitch <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Another weird thing is about this site is the fact that you can't answer to or on others comments in a thread. Your reply button only shows that particular person's comments. Most forum sites allow an answering user to view the whole thread and reply. Here if someone wishes to answer three people they make 3 replies. If you use the back button to avoid this and attempt to answer all in one reply sometimes the board loses your reply switching back and forth. </div></div>

What I do is whenever I reply (like now) I right click on reply and open it in a new window. This way I can go back to the other window to get the information (like who said about the "anonymous" posters, or your post to quote it) and return to the new window to finish the reply. When done posting it, and it returns me to the thread I either refresh the old window or close it and use the new window. (I also use MS Word to spell check then copy it and paste it into the reply box.)

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What I do is whenever I reply (like now) I right click on reply and open it in a new window. This way I can go back to the other window to get the information (like who said about the "anonymous" posters, or your post to quote it) and return to the new window to finish the reply. When done posting it, and it returns me to the thread I either refresh the old window or close it and use the new window. (I also use MS Word to spell check then copy it and paste it into the reply box.) </div></div>

Hey that's a neat trick. I can use that. I've always thought there could be a "Computers for Old Car Dummies" forum or at least a sticky on here that such things as this could be posted on. I'm sure there are MANY like me that can barely get around on the computer and could use some friendly help such as this. Hints and help with posting pictures would probably help a lot of folks out. And somebody mentioned using the "Search" feature. I have TRIED to use the "Search" feature but always come up with zilch.

[Guest]

I still surf here. However I find much less to enjoy or to contribute to. I think HVS made some valid comments. It does seem more and more that we are rehashing what had already been rehashed. dep5's quote from Oxnard is probably the closest thing to what has really happened.

[Barry Wolk]

I hope it's not dead, I just got here.

[Guest]

Don't worry Barry, it's not dead. Just evolving as all things do.

hvs

[ex98thdrill]

Bill, a big downfall about the Forum is that the words are in writing, and writing is monotone. A person can give constructive advice, but based on how things are interpreted, it can be taken as a personal slam. This is the one thing about computers that will never match personal interaction.

I know how people say that things on the Forum are getting boring and people are getting tired of the same questions over and over again, but then looking back I remember the lengthy threads about Krispy Kreme Donuts. We don't have those threads anymore, they weren't automotive related, but I myself posted replies to those threads as well and I am as guilty as anyone.

This Forum has at times been a blessing for me, and many good friendships have been made. Howard, three years ago you were just a name on a computer screen. Today you are a person who I look forward to seeing, and to be honest with you, I really missed not seeing you in Northglenn.

If anyone thinks that the Forum is dead, I'm sure the library can give you an answer every time that it rains on that new roof.

[Guest AlK]

Mr. Earl:

What did you try to search for??? I just tried it and got more than I bargained for.

[Dick380185]

I Don't think this website is dead...BUT WHAT REALLY SCARES ME IS THE PRICE OF GASOLINE, and the real possibility of a downfall of our beloved hobby because of it.