Not so welcome anymore....

[frustratedboater]

I've loved this forum for many years. While I am not a certified mechanic, I have a solid understanding of outboards, restorations, and misc.. and am familiar with troubleshooting and repair. Over the years, I’ve encountered various marine issues and truly appreciate the tips and tricks shared by the experts here. That’s why I enjoy participating and posting in this community.
Recently, I've sensed (though perhaps it's just my perception) some grumpy comments from long-time members in response to my posts, as well as from others seeking help with their issues. As non-certified enthusiasts, my main goal is simply to find some guidance for the problems I'm currently facing, just like many others here. Am I the only one feeling this way, or has anyone else noticed a change in the overall comments or approach to needs? I've read the 'helpful tips' post and completely understand that policy.
Are my posts lacking detail? Am I on a "list" to be nasty too? Is it the way I word my situation without saying the words- please help? I often receive replies like "go read your manual," (which I admit can be valid to some extent). However, it seems that I tend to get more of the harsh responses if I incorrectly miss-name a part or happen to leave out information.
That said, I truly appreciate those who reply with kindness and understanding, because many of you once started where we are now. Just trying to understand how this climate changed over the years.

 

[alldodge]

For the most part we all need a thick skin, and need to think before responding

All forums change over time and there will always be ones that believe they are Gods gift and will bang on the table until you stop responding or agree with them. Along with ones that holler Squirrel and leave others thinking what the heck was that.

If things start going south I try to just stop responding and let others do their thing. UnWatch a thread is a nice feature

 

[bigblocksarefun]

Social media has changed society (and not for the better). There are way too many people who have gotten comfortable running their suckholes knowing there (likely) won't be consequences.
I have tested this hypothesis with car forums and subsequent car meets with people from those forums. Pretty easy to figure out who has what vehicle. They tend to be......quieter......when faced with actual people. At the moment it seems that it's the latest generation that acts exactly the same way on and offline because they have had no consequences in life period. These are usually the morons you see in videos mouthing off to pro fighters & cops lol.

 

[tpenfield]

We checked the "list" and you are not on there (j/k there is no list ). The moderators appreciate you raising the issue and your concerns. Sometimes people are not always as nice as they could be, and it is often easy to do such from behind a keyboard.

We do have a forum rule regarding 'bashing' . . and it has been extended to 'be nice' in certain circumstances. Feel free to reach out directly to a moderator when you feel commentary is crossing the line.

We hope that you will continue to find value in seeking advice on this forum.

 

[jbcurt00]

Also remember what may seem an abrupt/curt reply is simply brief.

Some frequent posters post copious amounts of usually helpful advice across dozens of topics daily. As it isn't a paid full time gig, that sort of volume usually demands brevity.

 

[frustratedboater]

For the most part we all need a thick skin, and need to think before responding

All forums change over time and there will always be ones that believe they are Gods gift and will bang on the table until you stop responding or agree with them. Along with ones that holler Squirrel and leave others thinking what the heck was that.

If things start going south I try to just stop responding and let others do their thing. UnWatch a thread is a nice feature

alldodge, I do appreciate this

 

[frustratedboater]

We checked the "list" and you are not on there (j/k there is no list ). The moderators appreciate you raising the issue and your concerns. Sometimes people are not always as nice as they could be, and it is often easy to do such from behind a keyboard.

We do have a forum rule regarding 'bashing' . . and it has been extended to 'be nice' in certain circumstances. Feel free to reach out directly to a moderator when you feel commentary is crossing the line.

We hope that you will continue to find value in seeking advice on this forum.

I appreciate the response. It's does not exactly classify as bashing but usually those who may have access to every manual out there! Thx

 

[roscoe]

Recently, I've sensed (though perhaps it's just my perception) some grumpy comments from long-time members in response to my posts,

Been feeling it too. Usually from a small handful of members that brag about their decades of experience, but they fail to offer any info of value. Just lecturing and worthless anecdotal responses.

I rarely add a response for the original poster, even when I know
I have info that could help, mainly because I don't want to hear
from the "know it all gang".

Now, instead of following threads, I follow a small group of members, to see what I can learn from them.

 

[frustratedboater]

I'm just looking for info from time to time to bail me out. Isn't that the purpose of this platform?

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

It must depend on where you go in the forum. I mostly hang out in the restoration bit, because I don't know anything about engines. I don't really see much of that, but I haven't been here very long either.

Hopefully I haven't done it. I try not to be short with people, but at only 5ft and a bit it's hard...

 

[Bondo]

(though perhaps it's just my perception)

Ayuh,........ Being a single digit typist, I know I tend to give short answers, but it's never to be rude,....
'n another of our popular posters, says right up front, the he's a grumpy ole fart,......

 

[Sprig]

It’s just the internet. Most everyone on the net is anonymous. We are simply an electronic name not even our real name. This has caused many to lose much of their civility When interacting with others electronically. There are for the most part no consequence for rude or uncivil behavior.
Out of the many thousands of people I’ve had internet contact with I’ve only actually met a handful. If we were responding to people we knew personally communications would be much more friendly and polite. I also think the more a person is on the net the less patience we all have. So OP don’t take it personally, it’s just the way the internet is.

 

[aspeck]

I appreciate the response. It's does not exactly classify as bashing but usually those who may have access to every manual out there! Thx

But if a response is bothering you and you feel that it is belittling you or making light of your situation, or is just unfair or rude, you can always hit the report button. That goes to the Mods only. They see the post in question, will look at the thread, possibly discuss it amongst themselves, then respond to you, delete the offending post if they feel that is warranted, make a post to get the thread about answering the question not harassing a member, or do nothing. But there is no harm in reporting an answer and explaining why you reported it.

 

[frustratedboater]

But if a response is bothering you and you feel that it is belittling you or making light of your situation, or is just unfair or rude, you can always hit the report button. That goes to the Mods only. They see the post in question, will look at the thread, possibly discuss it amongst themselves, then respond to you, delete the offending post if they feel that is warranted, make a post to get the thread about answering the question not harassing a member, or do nothing. But there is no harm in reporting an answer and explaining why you reported it.

I totally understand your point. I assume that most veterans/regulars that have over 8-12k+ posts usually have a pretty good understanding about which direction to point people. It's just helpful when they are strait you. Thx

 

[Bondo]

I totally understand your point. I assume that most veterans/regulars that have over 8-12k+ posts usually have a pretty good understanding about which direction to point people. It's just helpful when they are strait you. Thx

Ayuh,..... Dam Newbies,........

 

[aspeck]

I totally understand your point. I assume that most veterans/regulars that have over 8-12k+ posts usually have a pretty good understanding about which direction to point people. It's just helpful when they are strait you. Thx

We do value the "veterans," but even they need taken out behind the woodshed from time to time.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

I’ve noticed that newbies drop in and ask questions looking for instant advice and haven’t really digested or research the entire forum.

Unfortunately …..We live in that instant gratification society.

what gets me is they often question the advice given. Or in some cases try and plead their case from a newbie perspective after advice is given. That’s when the curt not so nice comments usually occur. In most cases it’s tongue in cheek response but the new members don’t get it. JMO

I love this forum.. love the input and knowledge given. Perhaps there should be a new member orientation section? Stating how things work. Not everyone reads the rules and reg’s area. Heck I didn’t know when I first joined. From how many posts you need before you can post a pic to how to ask questions? And how you should interact with other members. Again JMO.

 

[racerone]

Exact and correct information should be posted.---When a newbie posts that they have a 1979 motor and no pictures or serial # , questions arise.-----Turns out it was NOT a 1979 motor.----Replies were / are meaningless in a situation like that.----Waste of time to try and help those folks.

 

[alldodge]

I see even this thread starting to tangent off

We all look through are mental image, and that's not the same as another's

Example
Someone wants to put a 250HP motor on a canoe.
Some look at this as stupid and shout it out
Others try to explain how and why (note the why) this is a bad idea
Another states how you can be sued and others can die

In short, most all of us can and do the knee jerk response (include my self in this) , but what we all should do is softly and clearly respond why with facts, and not just opinion is the reasoning

The thing I despise is someone coming across as God anointed and my way is the only way. Other than that all is ok and again the "unwatch" button is GREAT

 

[WIMUSKY]

Yeah, no doubt social media has changed society and how people treat one another out there, sometimes ugly is an understatement. I believe some can carry those attitudes around the forum world. But that doesn't make it acceptable or right. This forum used to be under extreme moderation in the earlier days. Since then, the mooring lines have been loosened and I believe a few vessels have broke free and need to be recovered.
If anyone is dissatisfied with how they're being treated please contact a moderator. This ship needs to be tightened up.......