I don't get it...this could be a good forum.

[Scouder]

There is obviously a tremendous knowledge of FE's here, and I have gleaned my fair share over the time I've been a participant, but it has become an unpleasant place. Too many threads that could provide valuable insight into our hobby turn into pointless squabbles and name calling. I have never been involved in any organization or group (of adults) that was this petty. I certainly hope this forum is not representative of the Cobra community in general, as I aspire to own one some day, and the experience would surely be tainted if this is what I had to expect from other owners/enthusiasts.

I sincerely apologize if I cause offense, but this needed to be said. I am assuming that most of us here, due to the associated costs involved, are well over 18 years of age. It would be a breath of fresh air if a person could tell it by the content of the posts.

Feel free to flame me, or invite me to fight, or call me names. You will, unfortunately, only prove my point. I only write this to issue a challenge to all involved to try to keep a civil tongue, and tone, and remember why most of us are here, which is to learn, help, and discuss something we enjoy. If we can't do this, then this forum will continue to dwindle away worse than it already has. That would truly be a shame.

I will now step down from my soap box.

-Scouder

[computerworks]

Originally posted by Scouder


If we can't do this, then this forum will continue to dwindle away worse than it already has.

Some good thoughts and no argument from me on any of them.

...but, don't worry too much.. these little things have a way of stabilizing themselves.

Dwindle? ...hardly. With over 12,000 members and growing, you will see a wide variety of communication...

Many members know each other for years...and do get 'informal' at times... and squabble.
When you have "high HP" conversations, things can get a little dicey at times...that's real life.

This forum's moderators are lenient in a way, to not inhibit a dialog...
...but we are quick to snap a wayward thread back on topic.
They don't stay bad for long.

Thanks for your positive concern.

Ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[clayfoushee]

Scouder,

I think you are dead on right, especially on a forum like "FE Talk." There are certainly places like the "Lounge" where people can choose to participate if in that kind of stuff if they're so inclined.

I think it's a shame on a topic like this, that people can't feel free to ask "dumb questions" without being ridiculed.

[Scouder]

Ron,

I hope I didn't make it sound as though the moderators weren't doing their job. That wasn't my intent.

And the dwindling may just be a perception on my part. The FE forum specifically hasn't seemed as active lately as it has over the past couple of years. If that isn't really the case then I stand corrected.

-Scouder

[computerworks]

Not at all..a good observation and point taken.

Now, I'm going to click the light switch on this so that the topics in the FE Forum...stay about FE's :-)

[Brent Mills]

We hear ya Scouder. You get these people together in person and it's nothing but goodness. I feel that a very high percentage of the high tension posts come from the lack of writing skill and I don't mean knowing when to use a semicolon. In person there are many visuals along with voice inflection that make a conversation work, but online, the communication is very one dimensional, and it takes a bit of time and consideration to make a point without pissing in someone's cheerios. Many of the disagreements around here could be avoided with more carefully selected comments, etc. My two cents....