Thread: Mid-life crisis?

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Last night some idiot posted to a 5+ year old thread started by hotrod daddy (John), who recently rejoined the fold. Bill had to ban the idiot, but the former thread respondents triggered a few thoughts.

This internet thing is a wonderment. We're not awash in postings on this small community compared to some. The good about that is if someone has a question that can be answered it doesn't disappear down a long list of postings in a matter of minutes. On the flip side the pool of talent, while of good quality here, is limited somewhat revealing only a few options. Again, a good thing in some instances, not so much in others. The other very good thing, by my estimation anyway, is that with a managable number of players, with ebb and flow, we can get to know one another better.

In the earlier days of trying to build and expand the site we often referred to it as a virtual club house. In reality it functions very much like the real one that you might have in your town. You walk in the door, introduce yourself (hopefully) and start to interact with those already there. If you're shy that might take longer, if you're more bold, you might roll right in. Of course to the new guy the familiarity that the existing members have, and the horsing around that ensues, might give the impression of cliqueishness. Hope that is at the minimum, because I see it more as a sign of openness and friendship.

People come, and people go. Some with great flourish, some quietly. Some are taken as their time ends, others set fire to themselves (figuratively) and are extinguished (electronically), and some just move on to other pastures.

This is not intended to be maudlin, just a reminiscence of good acquaintance and enriching interaction with friends outside our physical (as opposed to virtual) sphere. The above mentoned thread was fairly short, 3 pages, and is now closed. There were only a handful of respondents, surprisingly few are still here on a regular basis. Three, that I know of, have passed on: C9x (Jay Carnine), Dhotrod (Dennis), and lt1s10 (Mike), with a fourth, Twitch who hasn't been heard from since announcing a serious illness. Others have passed (to be acknowledged at another time), but what struck me was they all showed up in this one thread. The MIA, those who were pretty active for awhile then faded away, are Hot Rod Angel and Kitz. We've most often tried to encourage the gals who brave the room to contribute, with modest success. Glad Barb is "tough enough" to endure, but miss Angel and Jerilynne especially. And, one last mention, there were a few infrequent posters in that thread, but the one I remember the most is some guy named Don Hulgas. Given his odd behavior I'm certain he's been carted off "to the home" to wile away the hours in drooling fantasy...........

Thanks to all of you who continue to enrich our lives here, you're all friends.

Bob,

Well said, very well said indeed.


Bill S.

Bob,
Well stated, in comparison to other forums this community offers much more. Things like expert advice, encouragement, compassion, and compliments are common here.
Thank you CHR for bettering our hobby.
Andy

Man Bob, awesome post. Don`t know what else to say.

Well said. What I like the most about this site, is not so much what it offers, but more what it is lacking. Hypocrisy, crude comments, and unwarranted attacks, just to post something, or because it doesn't fit into your idea of what is cool or acceptable. And I for one am delighted that CHR is Lacking in all these areas. Everyone here, seams to be very helpfull, and even when critiquing is done, it usually is done in a positive manner. There are other sites that offer alot of useful technical and other information, but for me it's sometimes hard not to get irritated at the childish behavior. To each their own, but I just switch the channel. Sometimes I wish there were more posts and threads here, but if it meant that type of posts and behavior, I say Less is More.............

Thank you for your insights, Bob. On target, seems to me, as usual.

Great post Bob. It sure made me stop and think. Cant believe that i have been here for almost 7 years. I enjoy club hot rod and all its members.Always something new and exciting to read about.Thanks everyone.

This is why I am here

Well stated, Bob. What appeals to me here is simply this: Where does an aging hot rodder-muscle car freak who loves "sleepers" go and sorta fit in?

I tried pure hot rod forums and unless you're pre 49 you don't really fit in.

The muscle car boards don't really have a spot for bald old guys driving Caddy's and I never found a board devoted to sleepers (cars, not my habit of dozing off).

But here, I felt like I fit in. Nobody cares what I drive as long as I don't try to answer questions I know nothing about.

This is the best car related board I've ever found. Period.

Your absolutely right, it's like walking into a local clubhouse and enjoying a laugh, aa helping hand or a kick in the but.

You always leave happy and well informed.

Don't know about the rest of you but I know that I need to do some soul searching every now and then because it is so easy to get caught up in the "process" - - - - thanks for the post, Bob !

that was a great post bob. everything that you said was true. I have always felt that i was blessed to have found this site and all of the guys on it. It is the only site that i have ever been on that allows me to ask some stupid questions and to give answers that are excepted. I think of all of you as my extended family. That is a rare thing these days as the internet makes it so impersonal some times. yes there has been some bumpy days where we butt heads but it is usually resolved without hard feelings. but all in all i think that as a large group we get along exceptional well. we morn the ones we lose and welcome the new ones to the fold as friends.

I would have to agree on a several points.

"The lack of harsh criticism": Us baby boomers grew up being told that we should... "act like a gentleman"... "there is no excuse for bad behavior".... "say something nice, or say nothing at all"... and there is no excuse for bad behavior". Where did that go... you ask? Well you won't find it on some of the other hot rod message boards! (BTW...Thanks Mr Mustang!!! Keep kickin' butt!) :-)

I also happen to like quite a variety of cars (though I do have "faves"). This club offers me many things to see.. and too talk about.

Lastly...A major reason I love being in the custom biz is that the people I work with have the same passions as me... so it's like working with those you would make your friends. The same thing applies here.

Which reminds me of a couple threads I want to start..... :-)~

Well I know I haven't been here as long as most, if I can help I try if not I watch , listen and learn. This is a very active and good site. Lots of info and just plan fun seems everyone knows THE LIMITS though we do get close some times it is all in fun. Great post Bob

Right on target, Bob; that's one reason I'm still around: the company; couldn't ask for better.

In the same vein, I have sometimes equated these boards to watering holes and clubs, especially the saloons in small towns: each seems to have it's regular long time patrons, and they form a core; others come and go, sometimes leaving behind a memory or two, for good or for bad.

I do miss those who have moved on, or passed away, but that is simply a function of life, and for some of us, our advancing timeline.

There is a great group of people here and I am glad to be part of it...a small part anyway.

I try to pitch in when I can with what I have learned here or atleast join in on the fun and laughs....

Great site...Great people........thank you.