what happened to automotive forums?

i used to be on here quite regularly but stopped coming on here in 07 i come back because i have a question and i look around and their isnt much activity anymore the site hasnt changed in 5 years graphically and active members seems to be very slim anyone know what happened? this place used to be very active

This thread has been discussed before. From what I have heard from other members is that they were fed up with a couple of the moderators (certainly not all) and the fact that newcomers often times weren't given a chance, thus driving them away. Some just faded off into the distance for an unknown reason.

Some members like me are still active. But we just dont post.

thats a shame.

A lot of the members started out here at a young age , and as time goes on , commitments such as schooling , jobs, marriage and family demand more time from them as they get older. So they end up spending less time here than they previously have done. Also, there are more forums out there now than in the past , and some are more manufacturer or model specifics, so that could draw away traffic from a site as well.

I know that a harsh reception to many newcomers didn't help anything either. Not talking about the spammers or trolls, but rather the prospective new member that got blasted for not knowing everything right off the bat.

We should treat our newest members lightly until they get used to the site.

I know from personal experience when I was very active on AF, we had an abundance of spammers, know it all's, and childish members who didn't contribute outside of worthless and false informational posts. It really got bad for a while.

As for new comers. I treat them as anyone else I have in the past. I prefer to take things to private messages explaining the guide lines. We are all bound by them, even moderators have guide lines to follow.

As to why the message boards have slowed greatly, I'm sure many can draw their own personal conclusions as to why. We here at AF certainly do not own exclusivity on message boards life spans. Many have an initial explosion of a membership base, then taper off over time to generalized size of activity.

An Automotive forums is much different than say a gaming forums. Gaming forums as an example will have new games, patches, updates, etc are continually released and discussed. Thus creating a living forums and as long as the admins can keep up with new areas to suit it will continue to remain fairly strong.
Automotive type forums such as these have the initial growth spurt then taper off as problems are solved and the resolutions to these are found via searches with no need to post a new thread. Until there are great changes in the automotive industry as far as going to say electric cars and an example. You can only discuss the internal combustion engine so much.

AF still has one of the strongest databases of problem solving that I know of. I'm sure over time things will change and we'll once again see another increase in active posting users with a new wealth of knowledge.

I know that a harsh reception to many newcomers didn't help anything either. Not talking about the spammers or trolls, but rather the prospective new member that got blasted for not knowing everything right off the bat.

We should treat our newest members lightly until they get used to the site.

Amen brother, and that sentiment could be particularly extended into certain forums were the mods are territorial and often unfriendly to new comers. There are a few I avoid religiously and I have a high tolerance level.

Amen brother, and that sentiment could be particularly extended into certain forums were the mods are territorial and often unfriendly to new comers. There are a few I avoid religiously and I have a high tolerance level.
Yeah, being intolerant of a new member that doesn't know x about car y isn't the best approach. We were ALL there at one time or another. Giving someone a verbal lashing and telling them to do a search for their (to them) new problem .... :nono:

I know that a harsh reception to many newcomers didn't help anything either. Not talking about the spammers or trolls, but rather the prospective new member that got blasted for not knowing everything right off the bat.

We should treat our newest members lightly until they get used to the site.

Are you saying after members have been here a while THEN get unfriendly, blast them and drive them away? (pun intended):confused:

I'm pretty new, and I can't say Iv'e seen unfriendliness towards me.

Does anyone know why the Admin has blocked access to the members listing?

Are you saying after members have been here a while THEN get unfriendly, blast them and drive them away? (pun intended):confused:

I'm pretty new, and I can't say Iv'e seen unfriendliness towards me.

Does anyone know why the Admin has blocked access to the members listing?


AF is in the process of a upgrade, which is a time consuming process for Igor.

Also, while new posts may not be as active in COT, AF is pretty busy as far as archived threads goes. There are also other sections busy as ever.

If you all could improve on AF, what would you do? Just a curious question.

Honestly I gave up AF for local forums. I found more support there. My biggist thing was people flaming me for no reason. People treat other people like crap because they don't actually know each other. Local forums arnt like that. YOu get to know the people locally and you treat each other with respect.

RESPECT!!!

And theres something wrong with firefox and posting. I have to click preview post and then submit every time. Thats anoying. It's on in firefox and only on AF.

And theres something wrong with firefox and posting. I have to click preview post and then submit every time. Thats anoying. It's on in firefox and only on AF.
Like kris mentioned in the post above, we are testing a newer version of software for the site and it appears that those issues have been solved. It is a labor intensive procedure as AF is customized and transferring all those customizations takes time. Hopefully the new version will be ready to roll out soon. Keep checking back for any notifications about this.

Are you saying after members have been here a while THEN get unfriendly, blast them and drive them away? (pun intended):confused:

I'm pretty new, and I can't say Iv'e seen unfriendliness towards me.

Does anyone know why the Admin has blocked access to the members listing?

Yes, now STFU N00b!! :cwm27:


(now that you've been here awhile you can be abused.) :tongue:




:popcorn:

It'll come alive again after the next FnF... people always get curious and need help finding information about the latest starter car they've bought with the intention to put huge vinyl graphics and giant wings upon.

So why has the Admin blocked the member listing?

So why has the Admin blocked the member listing?
What are you referring to, and why is it so important?

What are you referring to, and why is it so important?

On other forums there is a Members link where you can look up the profile of all members on the forum.
I found and old thread that had a link like that here, but it said admin had block it.
I'm curious why.

On other forums there is a Members link where you can look up the profile of all members on the forum.
I found and old thread that had a link like that here, but it said admin had block it.
I'm curious why.
I had no problem looking up your profile, can you post the link that gave you the problem?

What are you referring to, and why is it so important?
Stalker perhaps ?? :dunno:

I'm curious why.


Because they can. Because Spam runs rampant on internet forums. Spammers get info from profiles. Profiles are then blocked.

Most of us are still here.........

I had no problem looking up your profile, can you post the link that gave you the problem?

it is here under "Can I send e-mail to other members?" the "member list" link is blocked.



http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/faq.php?do=search&q=referral

it is here under "Can I send e-mail to other members?" the "member list" link is blocked.



http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/faq.php?do=search&q=referral



Spam prevention.

it is here under "Can I send e-mail to other members?" the "member list" link is blocked.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/faq.php?do=search&q=referral
Spam prevention.
Is that the reason? I thought maybe CL8 was using Firefox 3 browser and that function, along with the other reported issues(replying and editing posts) ,was not working right. Hmm.

So why has the Admin blocked the member listing?
IIRC the feature was turned off in 2004 or 2005 as the result of some abuse(s) and it was decided back then not to turn it back on. I wasn't a mod back then so don't know the full story.

IIRC the feature was turned off in 2004 or 2005 as the result of some abuse(s) and it was decided back then not to turn it back on. I wasn't a mod back then so don't know the full story.

I think they should try turning it back on. I'll bet the abuse won't be there.


Is that the reason? I thought maybe CL8 was using Firefox 3 browser and that function, along with the other reported issues(replying and editing posts) ,was not working right. Hmm.

No, I use internet explorer

IIRC the feature was turned off in 2004 or 2005 as the result of some abuse(s) and it was decided back then not to turn it back on. I wasn't a mod back then so don't know the full story.We never did get an explanation of why it was removed. It happened right after that guy kept signing up with new names and spamming everyone through PMs.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=549305

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=556843

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=570796

Probably best to let sleeping dogs lie. We've been fine without that function for over 4 years now.

We never did get an explanation of why it was removed. It happened right after that guy kept signing up with new names and spamming everyone through PMs.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=549305

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=556843

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=570796

So why don't I have permission to access any of the pages linked above?

So why don't I have permission to access any of the pages linked above?
Because those pages are only accessible to Moderators of this site. We have special forums to discuss site matters and info pertaining to our work here. I think Blazee may not have realized that those were not accessible to all members when he posted those links.

Because those pages are only accessible to Moderators of this site. We have special forums to discuss site matters and info pertaining to our work here. I think Blazee may not have realized that those were not accessible to all members when he posted those links.Actually, I have a very good understanding of the forum permissions. That's how I knew that I could safely post the links to those threads for the moderator that I was replying to and not compromise their security.

Actually, I have a very good understanding of the forum permissions. That's how I knew that I could safely post the links to those threads for the moderator that I was replying to and not compromise their security.

AHA! So that's how it's going to be...:p:sunglasse( I figured as much.):grinno:

AHA! So that's how it's going to be...:p:sunglasse( I figured as much.):grinno::iceslolan :chair: :thefinger




:p :D

The first four times I contributed to or started a post , I was " reamed " out three different times by two different moderators . Certainly not the way to welcome newcomers or build site participation ! I think this site is much like a boss I used to work for . If you agreed with every thing he said , he was a pleasant enough fellow . But if you ever expressed views different from his or dared to argue with him ..... Well I think you know how that would go ! That was and still is the feeling I get here . I actually received a PM from an administrator wanting to know the name of the two moderators but I didn't waste my time responding . The old saying " the nut don't fall far from the tree " is the way I think this site is run . What I mean by that is the moderators ( and I'm not saying all of them are guilty of negative deeds ) are only reflecting the views and behavior that is allowed by administrators . So who's to blame ...you tell me ? I am still an active member ( when I have time to visit the site ) that chooses my words carefully and selectively so as to not feel the wrath of certain people . The latter is likely what I'll get soon . :2cents:

The first four times I contributed to or started a post , I was " reamed " out three different times by two different moderators . Certainly not the way to welcome newcomers or build site participation ! I think this site is much like a boss I used to work for . If you agreed with every thing he said , he was a pleasant enough fellow . But if you ever expressed views different from his or dared to argue with him ..... Well I think you know how that would go ! That was and still is the feeling I get here . I actually received a PM from an administrator wanting to know the name of the two moderators but I didn't waste my time responding . The old saying " the nut don't fall far from the tree " is the way I think this site is run . What I mean by that is the moderators ( and I'm not saying all of them are guilty of negative deeds ) are only reflecting the views and behavior that is allowed by administrators . So who's to blame ...you tell me ? I am still an active member ( when I have time to visit the site ) that chooses my words carefully and selectively so as to not feel the wrath of certain people . The latter is likely what I'll get soon . :2cents:
I just checked your history, and see the posts that you were talking about. They all were indeed violations of the rules. You not only bumped old threads, but did so in order to tell people to go to other forums. Both of those are outlined in the guidelines that everyone is required to read and accept before joining. If you were just upset that someone pointed out the rules to you, then I would say that's on you for not reading them. However, if the moderators were rude to you or abrasive, then that is a problem. Moderators are required to follow the same rules as everyone else (actually more because we have the member guidelines and moderator guidelines to abide by), that includes the part about welcoming new comers with open arms. Admins and the (majority of) moderators take that seriously, and will investigate any allegations about AF staff, and take punitive action if they were abusive to a member.

Like my sig says, if anyone has a suggestion to make the community better, let us know. Be it suggestions or complaints. But bringing it up now after the fact that an admin (most likely me) asked for the full story or whom were involved and you did not follow up leads me to believe that everything was resolved.

Does anyone know why the Admin has blocked access to the members listing?As for the member list, both kris and Blazee are correct. Its for spam prevention. Plus we have over a half a million members and listing them all would put a strain on the servers.

TS

I do feel the two moderators were rude and abrasive ! They were probably correct in pointing out what they did . My problem ( and it sounds like a lot of others problem ) is the manner and tone that is so often used by moderators in berating the offending parties .Looks to me if everyones posts were so thoroughly evaluated that the moderators responses would be a " red flag " and wouldn't have to be pointed out to administration . Anyway , I've moved on . Not trying to offend you or anyone else connected to this site . This site has vast possibilities but seems to many like it's headed in the wrong direction . Again , no offense meant . :2cents:

I do feel the two moderators were rude and abrasive ! They were probably correct in pointing out what they did . My problem ( and it sounds like a lot of others problem ) is the manner and tone that is so often used by moderators in berating the offending parties .Looks to me if everyones posts were so thoroughly evaluated that the moderators responses would be a " red flag " and wouldn't have to be pointed out to administration . Anyway , I've moved on . Not trying to offend you or anyone else connected to this site . This site has vast possibilities but seems to many like it's headed in the wrong direction . Again , no offense meant . :2cents:

The direction it is heading has had its ups and downs. But since the inception in 2000, it is obviously doing something right. You could have helped in correcting an issue that maybe was not seen from above. But with you not wanting to help with the problem really doesn't amount to much. You cannot gauge a single person, who oversees 50+ people, by the way a few of them act or respond. (not sure on the exact amount of moderators). That would be like blaming a Battalion Commander for the way one of his Platoon Commanders acted.

I would love to see an auto mechanics "online course" in this forum.

(Just the basics of how the vehicle engine and other parts work.)

I am a driving instructor, so I know more about how to drive than the mechanics of a vehicle, but I would love to learn!
It would give me helpful advice to tell my students!

.

As for the member list, both kris and Blazee are correct. Its for spam prevention. Plus we have over a half a million members and listing them all would put a strain on the servers.

TS

I figured the amount of members had something to do with it.

Battle commanders are responsible for the actions of their platoon commanders and platoon commanders are responsible for the actions of platoon members ! If you're a veteran , you'd know this . If you're not a veteran , why are you using this analogy ? :banghead:

Battle commanders are responsible for the actions of their platoon commanders and platoon commanders are responsible for the actions of platoon members ! If you're a veteran , you'd know this . If you're not a veteran , why are you using this analogy ? :banghead:


Odd, because I would follow my old BC anywhere who in my mind was a great leader and mentor, but often questioned my PC's motives and actions, and could not wait for him to move on.

The BC is responsible yes, but did my PC's actions reflect on the type of leader our BC was? No.

Maybe the BC wasn't aware of the PC's actions and would have corrected such actions if he had known . You said "You could have helped in correcting an issue that was not seen from above but with you not wanting to help with the problem really doesn't amount to much " I'm not sure what those last five words ( " really doesn't amount to much " ) means ? But if the PC 's action were inappropriate and harmful in some way , the BC would eventually had to pay some price for allowing it to happen .Also , by you keeping silent about the PC's misdeeds and not informing the BC of said problems , weren't you contributing to the problem and not helping resolve it ? Look , I'm not a bad guy , ask anyone that knows me and I think they'll agree . I know now some of my early posts were in violation of forum rules . The truth of the matter is I didn't read the rules when I registered as I'm sure 99% of new members don't . When the moderators informed me of that , if done in a more appropriate manner , I would have had no problem with that at all ! But I feel their responses were rude and abrasive . One of the responses I felt was an attack on me " personally " and maybe I overreacted as much as the moderator did . The problem was not being corrected about violating forum rules but the way it was done . We all should remember the " Golden Rule " - " Treat others as you would have them treat you " . An attack is probably going to get an attack in return . Maybe we should let this matter lay to rest and move on to more fruitful things. What do you say ?

Sounds like we are somewhat on the same page, in more of a roundabout way.

As for the member list, both kris and Blazee are correct. Its for spam prevention. Plus we have over a half a million members and listing them all would put a strain on the servers.

TS


100,000 registered users, 41,890 posted photos and 3,519 comments


10,051,814 photo views using 1,987.8 MB of disk space.


^This is stated in the gallery section of the site, 100,000 is quite a bit less than half a million.
Why doesn't the admin do what most independent churches do, every year or so they will take their list of members and vote out the members who have not beeen active for a long period of time.:rolleyes:

^This is stated in the gallery section of the site, 100,000 is quite a bit less than half a million.
Why doesn't the admin do what most independent churches do, every year or so they will take their list of members and vote out the members who have not beeen active for a long period of time.:rolleyes:
That's just for the gallery. You can see the forum stats on the forum index:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

Threads: 882,022, Posts: 5,461,157, Members: 603,601

We get a bunch more everyday.

Apparently we're more friendly and inviting than "most independent churches". At AF we are a community, and appreciate our membership. When a member returns that hasn't been here in awhile, most of the time they get a warm welcome back, and everyone wants to know how they've been doing. We don't slam the door and tell them they don't belong here anymore. What would you have us do? Delete their account and all their contributions to the site (which may have helped hundreds of people and may continue to help people that search our huge informational database)? Essentially erase their entire existence because they've been busy or possibly had some type of hardship that took priority over their time on the internet? That doesn't sound very Christianly. You're supposed to love your brother and sister, not turn your back on them just because you haven't seen them in awhile.

That's just for the gallery. You can see the forum stats on the forum index:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

Threads: 882,022, Posts: 5,461,157, Members: 603,601

We get a bunch more everyday.

Apparently we're more friendly and inviting than "most independent churches". At AF we are a community, and appreciate our membership. When a member returns that hasn't been here in awhile, most of the time they get a warm welcome back, and everyone wants to know how they've been doing. We don't slam the door and tell them they don't belong here anymore. What would you have us do? Delete their account and all their contributions to the site (which may have helped hundreds of people and may continue to help people that search our huge informational database)? Essentially erase their entire existence because they've been busy or possibly had some type of hardship that took priority over their time on the internet? That doesn't sound very Christianly. You're supposed to love your brother and sister, not turn your back on them just because you haven't seen them in awhile.
:werd:

^This is stated in the gallery section of the site, 100,000 is quite a bit less than half a million.
Why doesn't the admin do what most independent churches do, every year or so they will take their list of members and vote out the members who have not beeen active for a long period of time.:rolleyes:


Yeah, the gallery is part of www.automotivenetworkinc.com which automotiveforums.com is a part of.

That's just for the gallery. You can see the forum stats on the forum index:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

Threads: 882,022, Posts: 5,461,157, Members: 603,601

We get a bunch more everyday.

Apparently we're more friendly and inviting than "most independent churches". At AF we are a community, and appreciate our membership. When a member returns that hasn't been here in awhile, most of the time they get a warm welcome back, and everyone wants to know how they've been doing. We don't slam the door and tell them they don't belong here anymore. What would you have us do? Delete their account and all their contributions to the site (which may have helped hundreds of people and may continue to help people that search our huge informational database)? Essentially erase their entire existence because they've been busy or possibly had some type of hardship that took priority over their time on the internet? That doesn't sound very Christianly. You're supposed to love your brother and sister, not turn your back on them just because you haven't seen them in awhile.

Well said.

For those that know me, you knew this was coming... :icon16:

The figure I gave was just off the top of my head, but to be more accurate, behold the following table for your viewing pleasure.

MonthRegistered MembersMonthRegistered MembersJan-2001100Feb-2001130Mar-2001232Apr-2001487May-2001418Jun-2001519Jul-2001344Aug-20011053Sep-2001593Oct-2001783Nov-20011383Dec-20012989Jan-20024681Feb-20024165Mar-20024341Apr-20023697May-20023560Jun-20023034Jul-20023106Aug-20023674Sep-20023968Oct-20024443Nov-20025864Dec-20023034Jan-20032037Feb-20032291Mar-20033168Apr-20033147May-20033212Jun-20034333Jul-20036272Aug-200314207Sep-200314593Oct-200316850Nov-200310960Dec-200312469Jan-200413574Feb-200411426Mar-200411173Apr-200422511May-200424215Jun-200425122Jul-200419408Aug-200412739Sep-200412106Oct-200412996Nov-200412744Dec-200414756Jan-200515556Feb-200513609Mar-200513363Apr-20059389May-20059103Jun-20058980Jul-200511022Aug-200513114Sep-200511668Oct-200512651Nov-200513218Dec-200512135Jan-200610180Feb-20067531Mar-20066467Apr-20065597May-20064692Jun-20064436Jul-20064999Aug-20065829Sep-20064887Oct-20064867Nov-20064545Dec-20063988Jan-20074901Feb-20074469Mar-20075040Apr-20074862May-20074864Jun-20074615Jul-20075520Aug-20075332Sep-20075005Oct-20074668Nov-20074478Dec-20074142Jan-20084927Feb-20084734Mar-20084811Apr-20083749May-20083578Jun-20084028Jul-20084216Aug-20084147Sep-20083688Ocy-20083742Nov-20083756Dec-20083680Jan-20093793Feb-20091205

Total: 666383 members in the database as of today. And that includes 4267 ban members.

as for your suggestion...
Why doesn't the admin do what most independent churches do, every year or so they will take their list of members and vote out the members who have not beeen active for a long period of time.:rolleyes:

Want to be the first to volunteer. We have a very good going away package (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=517725). :evillol:

TS

That's just for the gallery. You can see the forum stats on the forum index:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

Threads: 882,022, Posts: 5,461,157, Members: 603,601

We get a bunch more everyday.

Apparently we're more friendly and inviting than "most independent churches". At AF we are a community, and appreciate our membership. When a member returns that hasn't been here in awhile, most of the time they get a warm welcome back, and everyone wants to know how they've been doing. We don't slam the door and tell them they don't belong here anymore. What would you have us do? Delete their account and all their contributions to the site (which may have helped hundreds of people and may continue to help people that search our huge informational database)? Essentially erase their entire existence because they've been busy or possibly had some type of hardship that took priority over their time on the internet? That doesn't sound very Christianly. You're supposed to love your brother and sister, not turn your back on them just because you haven't seen them in awhile.

If I remember correctly, the churches I remember having voted out members, it was after YEARS of no attendance at all.
It doesn't mean they would not be welcomed if they showed up.
It just means they have been absent so long,if they came back they would have to renew their membership (if they wanted to become a member again)

Thats what could be done here, if a person became a member, posted once back in 2002 and hasn't even visited the site since,
1. what are the chances they would come back in 2009?
2. Why take up space on the server with non-active members?

You don't need to delete their posts, just their account, make them sign up again if they do come back.

as for your suggestion...


Want to be the first to volunteer. We have a very good going away package (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=517725). :evillol:

TS

That would be fine if I was an INactive member, but look at my profile, I average nearly 2 posts a day.
So I wouldn't qualify to be voted out according to what I suggested.:naughty:

And, my suggestion didn't include BANNING a member, it just includes making them a non-member until they become active again.

For those that know me, you knew this was coming... :icon16:

The figure I gave was just off the top of my head, but to be more accurate, behold the following table for your viewing pleasure.
(table deleted from quote due to size)
Total: 666383 members in the database as of today. And that includes 4267 ban members.

as for your suggestion...


Want to be the first to volunteer. We have a very good going away package (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=517725). :evillol:

TS


In regards to the former you can see from the numbers on the table you posted, even without a graph, a bulge in 2004 and a drop off there after.

In regards to the latter, isn't your offer of a “going away package” just a another example of what posters have been complaining about? CL8 didn't start this thread, he just spoke up.

Too many people have gotten distracted by the insider stuff and seem to forget about anything else. Answer the original post, and the root problems presented by subsequent posters that stayed on topic and ignore the extraneous stuff.

In regards to the former you can see from the numbers on the table you posted, even without a graph, a bulge in 2004 and a drop off there after.

In regards to the latter, isn't your offer of a “going away package” just a another example of what posters have been complaining about? CL8 didn't start this thread, she just spoke up.

Too many people have gotten distracted by the insider stuff and seem to forget about anything else. Answer the original post, and the root problems presented by subsequent posters that stayed on topic and ignore the extraneous stuff.

I would still love to see an online auto mechanics class:smile:

A lot of the members started out here at a young age , and as time goes on , commitments such as schooling , jobs, marriage and family demand more time from them as they get older.



^That's my excuse, although i do come around and read quite frequently.

Honestly I gave up AF for local forums. I found more support there. My biggist thing was people flaming me for no reason. People treat other people like crap because they don't actually know each other. Local forums arnt like that. YOu get to know the people locally and you treat each other with respect.

RESPECT!!!

And theres something wrong with firefox and posting. I have to click preview post and then submit every time. Thats anoying. It's on in firefox and only on AF.

:1:
I would have to say I agree with this one the most. I have been more involved in local forums because they offer you the chance to actually interact with and get physical help from the other forum members. While this forum has been a fantastic resource, it is still better when someone can actually come to your location and see what you are trying to convey. Not that I would give up this forum, I still love coming here a few times a month and seeing what is going on, and maybe picking some of members' brains :iceslolan There are some great members on this forum with great knowledge.


The respect thing is pretty big too. I know the admins have a lot to deal with, and many different annoying spammers and people, but I have seen them be a bit aggressive and rude to noob, mostly in respect to bringing up/posting on old threads. If that is a big enough issue, perhaps there is a way to auto-lock a thread that has no activity for over 6 months? That would resolve that issue and noobs wouldn't be scorned for reviving an old thread. - just a suggestion.


One other issue that annoys - the site kicks me off after about 5 minutes if I do not refresh my "new posts" or other browsing. So if I am in the process of typing a long response - it will kick me out so when I go to hit "submit reply" it brings me to the log in page and my long post is lost... This can be VERY frustrating. :banghead:

I would still love to see an online auto mechanics class:smile:

Now that would be hard to do. You can't learn basic mechanical skills without getting your hands dirty and a couple of bloody knuckles in the process and the advanced classes are available online, for a price.

Now that would be hard to do. You can't learn basic mechanical skills without getting your hands dirty and a couple of bloody knuckles in the process and the advanced classes are available online, for a price.
She could just buy a Blazer instead of taking online classes. You wouldn't believe how many people I've seen buy a Blazer, and come here with absolutely no automotive experience asking remedial questions. Those same people in no time all become advanced backyard mechanics from just trying to keep it on the road. :naughty:

In regards to the latter, isn't your offer of a “going away package” just a another example of what posters have been complaining about? CL8 didn't start this thread, he just spoke up.



C'mon, the Banlandia reference is quite funny, and that was a good way to introduce it to new folks.

Thanks TS, I haven't seen Banlandia references for quite awhile.