A '73 911S was recently advertised here by a new poster. The thread generated quite of bit of discussion which has brought up another discussion (I'm confident this is not a "new" topic but I do think it's time to revisit it).
All online communities have a subculture that makes them who they are. This determines the "feel" and "tone" of conversation. There will always be controversy as to how warm and welcoming we are in regard to new people. This is determined by our personal traits and how we engage and interact with others in our other areas of life. This forum is nothing more than a microcosm of the world we live in. Individually we are important independent members that make up a larger entity. The main rule for governing conversation is mutual respect for one another. The moment we begin to steer the community toward our individual natural tendencies and style is when we're going to have problems. As we move more toward an egalitarian society men seem to forget what they're supposed to act like. We were designed to fight battles, die for causes, and wrestle things out with one another. (I acknowledge that there are women in this community but it can't be more than 2%?). We will bloody each other's noses on occasion but we also better be willing to shake hands after the contest!
Here's the problem: People are confusing criticism with disrespect. I went back through that "73 S For Sale" thread and see absolutely nothing disrespectful about it (except frankr calling me a penis). Members here enjoy the freedom to offer opinions, criticisms, and advice as long as it's done with respect. The idea that offering an unsolicited opinion is somehow disrespectful or wrong is absurd. When you become a member here you sign up for that but fighting fairly and civil discourse is the order of the day. Just because conflict and criticism make you personally uncomfortable does not make it wrong. "Who we are" vs. "what others want us to be" should not be a legitimate debate. Frankly I appreciate the honest, forthright discussion in this community and I'm also perfectly content with the fact that there are people on this board who literally hate me because of my views. I'm good with that; we are all entitled to our opinions. That's what makes a community diverse and well rounded.
As for those members who have been "driven off", that's hogwash. Life changes for all of us and many just don't feel the kindred spirit here any more. If on the other hand they didn't like the direction the community was heading then it was their obligation to be a civil agent of change... or leave. What I see as being the main impetus for exodus is the elephant in the room: The biased moderating. I have the highest regard for those in authority here but I also believe they may allow their personal agendas to get in the way of objective censorship. They would probably disagree with me and that's ok. I will always voice to them when I believe they're being biased and at the same time personally congratulate them on a job well done in a thankless position.
Originally Posted by gsjohnson
Do you guys know how much it kills me writing aluminum instead of aluminium 