Is it just me?

[fireman57]

I have just returned to iboats after a hiatus but it seems that the tone of people asking for help has changed. Not all of them, just the ones that have an engine they want to fix on the cheap. Even when it does get fixed they don't stay around and offer help even with the little knowledge they might have gained from whoever helped them solve the problem.
I don't know if they are not used to actually talking to people because of all the social interaction sites or what it really is. Just seems like if they don't like your answer (even if they don't know what the problem is) they accuse you of just putting forth random ideas or accuse you of not knowing what you are talking about.
I have a lot of faith in the younger generation mostly because they are our future but they don't seem to be as patient or polite as they should be. I am turning in to an old fogey and I admit that but if someone asks for my advice and I give it to them I don't feel that I should be insulted because they either didn't phrase their question clearly or didn't know what the problem really was in the first place.
One example was a guy asking about an engine he was thinking about buying and tashasdaddy ( My the Lord welcome him home) was accused of flaming him because he told him that these engines were known for blowing powerpacks and /or stators. I've also noticed that since some of the older guard has gone away that there is not the personal interaction in Dockside Chat that there used to be.
I guess what I'm saying is just because someone robbed me when I stopped to help them change their flat tire doesn't mean that I won't stop and help the next one.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is it just me?

I blame it on a generational thing........ the newest generation of boat new comer's were raised on the internet. Many never learned to do anything w/o the net......... to some it is unheard of.

Trust me you are not the only one seeing the change

 

[fireman57]

Re: Is it just me?

Bob you are correct. Maybe they are used to just looking up whatever they want and there is step by step instructions on how to do something. I guess what gets me is they think that people are paid to just sit here and take care of their problems for free. I get on her when time permits and it might be two or three days before I can check the threads again and they are mad because I am not at their beck and call. What gets me is if you don't get back right away they call you things that aren't true. I am guilty of looking at the number of responses on a thread and I won't open it because usually it is taken care of or someone has put them on the right track but you occasionally get the one guy that you have tried to help (and of course others look at the responses and don't open it either) and if it's not the answer he want you are a no good sob. I'm done ranting now and have calmed down but this has been on my mind for two days. To all the mods, you are doing a great job. Just wish I could be on here a little more.

 

[tkrfxr]

Re: Is it just me?

Calm down.....perhaps a disclaimer is in order....

People should expect to get someting out of these forums, which will be somehow proportional, or in kind, to what they put into them....

some respect is expected here...IMHO

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Is it just me?

I have not been around as long as you guys (with respect)but I can tell you that one of the things I learned in the brief time I have been here is that the tone goes both ways, I know of several posters that I respect that also have short fuses yet they thankfully hang around and for the most part are useful and assets to the site. There are also those that seem go over the line at times which doesn't surprise me when they are newbies but when I see it from a long time poster it still surprises me.

Clearly the newb's are the bulk of these transgressions....

 

[emoney]

Re: Is it just me?

Seems like eveywhere you look, lots of folks are on edge. Angry even, but not sure they know what they're mad at. Case in point; try walking through the isle of any Wal Mart or major grocery store, and you'll see what I mean. I'm choosing to believe it's all the economy's fault (that way I don't start sounding TOO much like my dad)

 

[fireman57]

Re: Is it just me?

I have to admit that I give fairly short answers because I wrongly assume that they know at least a little about what they are trying to ask. I have to give a lot of members their due because they will give precise, almost copied from the manual answers. I will just say something like this wire goes to here and that one goes to there. If I try to type too much I forget what I am saying! Like I said, I am calmed down now. Mostly because I have been around off and on for over ten years. I lost over 2000 posts due to a computer crash and not being able to remember my password. Told you I was getting older. I really didn't mean to dis anyone in particular but mostly the tone of some of the newer posters. At least they are still looking to us old guys for advice.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Is it just me?

I have not been around as long as you guys (with respect)but I can tell you that one of the things I learned in the brief time I have been here is that the tone goes both ways, I know of several posters that I respect that also have short fuses yet they thankfully hang around and for the most part are useful and assets to the site. There are also those that seem go over the line at times which doesn't surprise me when they are newbies but when I see it from a long time poster it still surprises me.

Clearly the newb's are the bulk of these transgressions....

I'm so with you on this one, Lipp... I'm not even going to make any smarta** remarks. I would then seem like part of the issue.:facepalm: I think the best thing we can do is simply lead by example. Quiet professionalism...

iboats is my sanctuary. The people I like and respect, well, they're the only ones that really affect me to a level which holds any true value. All the rest, "Water off a ducks back."

 

[rbh]

Re: Is it just me?

In the end you can only help those that wanted pure help in the first place.

Kinda like lookey louws at an auction, they are just there for the entertainment value.
(or the feed back????), incoop can do better putting together the "sermon" than I can, he's got the Knack!


Stay tuned.


Sorry incoop!!!

 

[Bry1324]

Re: Is it just me?

take it from me good sir im 24 years, old new to iboats and boating, i have been around boats for many years but this is the first year i will actually be the captain lol, i appreciate all the advice that you guys provide on iboats, this site has literally walked me through fixing my motor, i will continue soaking up everything i can and hopefully someone will ask a question eventually that i can give some insight on...



Thanks again to iboat and all the members for being helpful

Cheers

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Is it just me?

take it from me good sir im 24 years, old new to iboats and boating, i have been around boats for many years but this is the first year i will actually be the captain lol, i appreciate all the advice that you guys provide on iboats, this site has literally walked me through fixing my motor, i will continue soaking up everything i can and hopefully someone will ask a question eventually that i can give some insight on...



Thanks again to iboat and all the members for being helpful

Cheers

...And this, Good Folks, is what iboats is all about...

 

[JB]

Re: Is it just me?

Well, I haven't noticed that much change, fireman, but no, it isn't just you.

This time of year we get a flood of new members, many of whom will never visit again. While they are here many demonstrate how different their expectations and contributions are from those who will hang around and become regular members of our community.

Some will not return because they didn't get the courtesy and hospitality they hoped for, others because they annoyed some old timers and we made them feel unwelcome.

Among the hardest things for Mods are that so many don't, won't or can't read and understand our rules and get offended when they get moderated.

Hang in there. The filtering will ease off a lot by July and we will have gained some great new members and passed in the night with many others whom we will never see again.

 

[KnightWolf]

Re: Is it just me?

I agree with the generational bit. I am not so old (36) but i do everything I can face to face. I like my technology very much But the human interaction is gone People do not feel the need to connect. I tried to pay a few bills local in person and they thought I was out of my mind when I asked on the phone where I could bring the payment to. I still want a hand shake and a mans word.

With so much online people want instant answers and to be on their way. The don't understand basic conversation is back and forth sharing of information.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Is it just me?

All of you are right. JB seems I forgot the time of year too. Every year it is like this when the season first starts. The dealers go through it too. People have had six weeks to get their boats ready and take them to the dealer the day before they want to use them. Guess I've gotten a little thin skinned the last couple of years. I'll feel better when the Ohio gets down and I can get a little fishing in.

 

[jeffkrieger]

Re: Is it just me?

hi,
being one of the newer guys here i have nothing but praise for the helpers on this forum.i just got my first boat .my total knowledge about boats was "they should not have a lot of water in side them"!these guys have convinced me i can do a total restore on my wellcraft.i never would have taken this on without their help.
i am 54 yrs. old and hear my father coming out of my mouth when complaining about the younger generation!!!!maybe he knew a little more than i thought he did.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Is it just me?

I think sadly,it has more to do w respect or lack of than anything else,w alot of the younger generations communication w anyone about anything.I still say yes sir and mam,to strangers,and some people give me funny looks like Im a smart... And ive noticed that fewer folks hold the door for anyone anymore

 

[lostinboat]

Re: Is it just me?

I first joined I-Boats a few years ago, and have been grateful for the well of info I have got for keeping my motors running and no going to crazy while doing it. I always thank everyone for helping me,, I also try to help others with what i have learned from here and my manuals.So again thanks to everyone on I-Boats and may this site cont. to grow.

 

[sandersps]

Re: Is it just me?

Well, I haven't noticed that much change, fireman, but no, it isn't just you.

This time of year we get a flood of new members, many of whom will never visit again. While they are here many demonstrate how different their expectations and contributions are from those who will hang around and become regular members of our community.

Some will not return because they didn't get the courtesy and hospitality they hoped for, others because they annoyed some old timers and we made them feel unwelcome.

Among the hardest things for Mods are that so many don't, won't or can't read and understand our rules and get offended when they get moderated.
Hang in there. The filtering will ease off a lot by July and we will have gained some great new members and passed in the night with many others whom we will never see again.

Simple, Simple instructions. When you Mods see a post that simply says " Moter dont turn over it jus crank but dont turn over WTH has new bildge pump but is stuck on tralor help quick"

What are you supposed to do with that? It's even better when it is in all CAPS. You guys do an amazing job on this forum. Most of my questions are answered before I even post.

Most of the problem is people who don't want to, or cant afford to spend money on their hobby. So when they don't get the answer they are looking they get mad. When they do get the answer they want there is no thank you involved, after all that is your job, Right.

People are people and the interaction between them will continue to degrade as time goes on. But, you seasoned vets around here already know that or you wouldnt still hang around helping to hold this whole pastime together.
Thank you for what you do and thank you for every problem you have solved without recieving a thank you.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Is it just me?

Most of the problem is people who don't want to, or cant afford to spend money on their hobby. So when they don't get the answer they are looking they get mad. When they do get the answer they want there is no thank you involved, after all that is your job, Right.

I struggle in the resto forum with how to tell someone that they might now want to dump any money into that rotted tri-hull with an OMC without offending them. No one wants to hear that they really ought not to have bought that "great deal".

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Is it just me?

Maybe some relation to the increased need for instant gratification, and a concomitant lack of patience.
I am astonished at the number of posts that I see :=>

May 25, 2011 11:25 AM
Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I just got a great deal on a boat and motor from a guy in the next town.He said last time out it worked great.
I brought it straight home, and washed it down that night with Mr. Clean. Next morning took it to the lake and the boat leaks and the motor won't start. Motor is pretty big, fairly new, and white-coloured. the boat is fibreglass.
Any suggestions?

May 25, 2011 11:47 AM

Bump.

May 25, 2011 12:10 PM

Anybody???

:facepalm:....