New forum members - REGULARS PLEASE READ!

[GrandPaulZ]

It seems as though some new members are getting some shoddy treatment around here. I don't mean good-natured ribbing, I mean over the top ridicule and harrasment.

I think some folks need to understand that being a new guy to old Triumphs in today's world is a good bit different than it was in the 60s. There are not a lot of big Meriden Tiumph shops around, there are not a lot of knowledgable guys running shade-tree shops like there was back then, etc.

The reality is that the internet has replaced the old way, and this is the new way. Add to that the fact that lots of new folks don't do thier own mechanical work on thier plastic-covered wonders, and since the Hinkley shops won't touch Meriden bikes, this is thier last resort for help.

So lets be cool here and welcome these folks, no matter how goofy thier first questions sound. Hey, ever wonder what the old timers thought of you the first time you asked them how to adjust the clutch?

[R.W. Kuechenmeister]

Well Spoken, If we are to expect a free exchange of ideas, solutions and access to new resourses, putting fellow riders down for asking a so-called "dumb" question is unacceptable. If the maintenance and restoration of rightous Triumphs is to prosper, generous assistance needs to be the norm. I appreciate it when I get it (and am able to give it)

Rich in Florida

[Catenaccio]

I was flamed shortly after becoming a forum member. Another member stepped up and softened the sting. (Thanks! TBA) His kindness inspired me to stick around. I have been rewarded a number of times since with advice and solutions I could never have received elsewhere. But one does have to grow a thick skin at times. Point taken.

[OzBloke]

Good call, GPZ.
I've found over the years that I get more enjoyment from teaching others than I do from learning, and most of the time I learn a lot along the way as well. Perhaps it's time not only the moderators but also the regulars stood up to the offenders to stop the rot.

This forum is all about keeping the revered old machines alive, along with the skills it takes to maintain and fix them, and appreciating the work and dedication of others that have gone before us.

[77FREEDOM]

Thanks for the easy entry. Dont mind a good hazing but some can intimidate others just looking for some good information on a classic

[oldebonnie]

I didn't notice the flaming of newbies but I don't have time to read every post either. I quit visiting the "other" site in part because of the arrogance of some of its senior members who seem to think they own the place and abuse newbies regularly. (In fact, they seem willing to abuse anyone who asks a "stupid" question. "Stupid" questions are usually an opportunity to educate the questioner not just about the question he asked, but also about the broader range of issues he should probably be considering.) Besides the wealth of knowledge, the friendly and helpful attitudes around here distinguish it from the "other" site. I hope it stays that way.

[htown16]

A bit off topic, but one thing I find a bit annoying is when someone goes to the trouble to post an in depth response to a question and then there is no reply. I think it would be helpful for everyone if the person asking the question would at least bother to post back whether the suggestion worked like a charm or was a complete crock. Just the simple words "thanks, it worked great" would go a long way towards encouraging more people to post replies.

[GrandPaulZ]

I have to think that some folks ride by, post a question, then off to post the same question in the half-dozen other classic Brit iron forums around the web. Then, they get an answer on a forum they possibly frequent more, and forget about this one.

...it's a possibility, anyway...

[SlowPocono]

Count me in.

Constructing a clear, correct and complete answer to a “stupid” question is not always easy and all parties benefit from the effort.

[tntremainiac]

There are no stupid questions.
There are, however, a multitude of stupid answers.

Flamers suck!