[Shadow]

Originally Posted by C5Rick

Well I guess a lot of what's been said here seems to be referring to me. I'm not about to defend myself for anything I've said on this forum. Whatever I've said, whenever I've said it, I meant it. Tim and I tried to set up a monthly gathering, but for the most part not many forum members dropped by. We had more people from Corvette Forum then Corvette Florida. Tim sets up regular cruises, but seems no one is interested. When I post an event, I get more replies with excuses why someone can't make it. If you can't make, me personally, I don't need to hear why.

Again this seems pointed at me and I'll say... "I call em as I see em" Actually I've held back in this area.

I hope Kap has a good turn out for some pig burning and story telling

Rick,

Don't take things so personally. I didn't get the feeling that any of this was directed at you or anyone else specifically.
I saw it as more of a generalized statement aimed at the group. A question that truly needed to be addressed.

Unlike many forums, we don't hide our junk (maybe we should), but instead, try to air our opinions in a constructive manner for the betterment of the site and everyone here, without the threat of banning, editing or moderation.
We've been condemned for that in the past. Heck, I've even been singled out personally by another mod from another site, as (in a nut shell)"lacking" in moderation "skills"(WTF ever that means?) for not banning, editing and locking threads the person felt "inappropriate."
Still, it's not likely to change.

No ones asking you to change nor would I personally want you to. You are you and accepted here for who you are! You're a rough edged, stodgy, no BS old fart that tells it like he sees it
Wouldn't have you any other way brother

Tim and I tried to set up a monthly gathering, but for the most part not many forum members dropped by. We had more people from Corvette Forum then Corvette Florida

How many members do we have in the Bradenton/Sarasota area that frequent here regularly?

I'm going to guess that the ones that do, show up when they can.

If you want to help out, help spread the word among the other forum groups about this place as well.

You will usually find that most places, any mention of another forum is met with less than enthusiastic response by the admin/mod staff

try to pm someone about the Florida site and let it get back to the "staff."
You won't like what happens next

The information you just posted, would likely by redacted (like this: ******** *******) in many places.

I try to get the word out to other Florida vette owners/members on the other sites I frequent. This site makes an excellent addition to the big national sites and will never be a threat to them. Thats just not what we're about! But some will never understand that. It's just the way they are wired.

The sites I have listed in my sig, are Corvette Florida friendly sites
Sites whose staff/owners and moderators don't get pissed off at the mention of a visit here. We have members here that are members of each of these as well.

So, how about a hand promoting our site to the other vette owners who may never find it otherwise? Can you imagine the parties and gatherings that would be possible should the site grow with more local members in specific areas?

As for vendor basing, I haven't really noticed any true vendor "bashing."
What I have seen is commentary that dealt with specific complaints, issues and opinions. Thats what the BOI section is for. Its a section that you generally won't find on other sites simply because they are $$$ driven.
It's also a section that can as we've all seen, be pretty heated at times.

As we all know, some places won't let you make any negative comments regarding the quality of a vendor or his/her products, even if it's documented and supported, regardless of the benefit to the vette owner and site member. We simply don't practice that here.

If there's a substantiated problem that does or could effect the vette owner/member, then we want the members to know about it for thier own good and safety.

I would suggest that before posting a complaint, one seeks all available remedies short of court to resolve it and once resolved, if resolved, post the outcome as well.

I'm always here to assist my fellow vette owners as well if requested.

Also, most places won't let a vendor or member advertise a commercial product or service (or one they "think" is commercial) without tossing $$$ at the site first.
Again you just don't see that here

Tim sets up regular cruises, but seems no one is interested.

I don't for the most part, do Sunday cruises. But, if I still had a vette, you can bet your ass I'd be there for most others!

I'm sure there is more interest than you might guess.

Recent inflated fuel prices and the sucky economy in general, have kept a lot of people home. But you know, you can't let chit like that keep you from enjoying life!!

As Ahhnold once said...I'll be bach!

I get more replies with excuses why someone can't make it. If you can't make, me personally, I don't need to hear why.

Again, to each thier own brother, but I would at least like to know who is and isn't coming. Also, knowing "why" a person or group can't make an event can sometimes help in the planning of future events. Just a thought.

Again this seems pointed at me and I'll say... "I call em as I see em" Actually I've held back in this area.

I really think you're reading too much into it, but that[s just my opinion.
You keep calling them as you see them my friend. as I said, most that know you wouldn't have it any other way

I hope Kap has a good turn out for some pig burning and story telling :thumbsup

Then why not come on out, support the group and see who shows up?

I'd love to see you again anyway bud

I love your style Gordon. You say Let's party and then somehow Kap volunteers his house!! I love it!!
I'm game for anything as long as the day and date of this momentous occassion works out. Mary made some really great pulled pork last year at the Venice show and it could feed quite a few folks. Cooking ribs correctly may need more than 1 grill depending on the number of folks. I usually spend at least 4 hours or more cooking a slab or two. Knowing Kap, the beer will be plentiful and cold.

Thanks Mark.

Actually, I've been wanting to have everyone over to our place for a party,but...I don't have agrill

and I want to wait until the weathers warmer and have a pool gathering/grill out (yeah! I'll buy a damned grill!Been looking at the "Big Green Egg units).

I say we hook this motha up and lets make it happen!!

Not to change the subject,but speaking of food,dont forget the show on the 28th of Feb. in Punta Gorda,
Mary will be cooking some home made grub that day for all of our friends,Hell even if your not friends yet ,come by and have some food.
But we do all need to have another get together sometime soon.
I wish I could make it to some more shows that my friends put on,but I have been so busy lately with work.No excuses though,I need to see my buddys soon.

Amen brother