The grumpy thread

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Maybe all forums are doomed to failure in the end. R-R started off much like this one, intellignet comment about cars and motoring, with good 'finds' from elsewhere on the web and so on, folk posting up their adventures buying fixing and selling old snotters, but as it got bigger and bigger it became blander and more tossers who are 'bored at work' signed up to it, posting inane waffle. The owner rightly tried/tries to keep this to a mimimum, which involves having a few rules, which folk regularly get on their high horse about and thus post more and more waffle and bickering about the rules themselves. People sign up to forums, then lose sight of why they signed up in the first place and start filling them up with mediocrity and general waffle, totally different to what they saw when they first decided to join. Its happening here in a big way already, yeah I grumble about it from time to time, thats not gonna hold it back though and if the owners introduce a load of rules its only the same 'path of inevitability' as all other forums have gone down. People just cant help themselves but to ruin these forums - all the 'big' i.e. well-established ones - Volkszone, E30zone, total vauxhall and all the rest of them, they are just full of the most boring drivel of all time, i'm sure they werent like that when they started but seemingly its just inevitable.If everyone asked themselves 'would I want to read this' before every post, and deleted it if the answer was no, I imagine post counts would go down by about 60% but most forums would be far more interesting as a result.

[Minimad5]

To be honest warren i think the best thing for your mate to do, would be not to risk anything else.If he rings, maybe tell him that £3 grand is ALOT to just loose, and any more loss would just make things worse.Do what you think is right

[Richard]

I think you need to be out and forget your mobile tbh.

[Minimad5]

  Richard said:

I think you need to be out and forget your mobile tbh.

A great excuse to be out in the Rover haha

[Lankytim]

[Tayne]

.

[seth]

  pogweasel said:

  seth said:

Lots of naughty words

LOLz!

Yes. Precisely. Apologies for my outburst. Bo11ox sums it up well again. I think what R-R could do with is either starting again or just deleting the accounts of people who rarely post and anyone else who starts bleating about their freedom.

[sporty-shite]

  seth said:

just deleting the accounts of people who rarely post.

Whoa there, Sethington!I rarely post there, but there's a reason. I don't have that much to post about, and refuse to post just for posting's sake. I think the post for posting's sake attitude is what sends a lot of forums down, and I don't want to be a part of that. Additionally, some people post dross just to build a good post count so that they feel "part of things" (see what I did there!) and this sort of policy would only encourage that.I don't spend that much time over on R-R now, but I do like to drop in now and then. I don't think it would be fair to be deprived of this just because I don't post much.Anyway, I think the original grump concerned the wannabee moderator. And with quotes like this

  Quote

I'm friends with the site owner and the mods

I think it was valid.

[Guest]

  Mr_Bo11ox said:

Maybe all forums are doomed to failure in the end.

I think it's do with content quality - early on whilst everyone is enthusiastic about the subject matter, people post up good stuff, which in turn encourages other people to post up good stuff. People will go to special effort to make something people want to read about, because you wouldn't want to create a really lousy thread amongst a load of great ones. Whilst that remains in place, everything is fine.Once people settle down a bit, it's very easy for people to start posting just for the sake of it - they're on this place with a load of people, maybe they can't think of anything interesting to say, but they just want to be on there still, so they post - just to remind everyone else that they still exist. Obvious example is a load of off-topic stuff, but there's more to it than that. Something which tends to happen on big forums are people quoting something just to agree/disagree. Very short replies along the lines of "+1" or "me too" or "lol" as if their opinion will have some big effect on everyone else. Not something which provides an interesting perspective, backed-up opinion or just some further info thrown into the mix - just a quick "tick of the box" to say they've had a look on this thread and here's where they sit on the matter (as if anyone cares). This can add a load of dross to a place - there might still be some good content, but you could go through a ten page thread and only find about three posts of any use whatsoever. Dunno why people do this, the only thing I can think of is that they are trying to develop some kind of personality cult because they want to be a well-known part of the "gang".Then you get people who want to throw their opposite opinion in all the time just to cause some drama (think that's another personality cult thing - notoriety perhaps?). These are the sorts of people who actually read through threads looking for an argument to start - it's incredibly easy to start one on the Internet and people are always drawn into them. Quote a post in little bits, disagreeing with each point in an abrasive way, that usually works. Good sign of a rubbish forum is one where all the long threads are arguments, usually with lots of people posting up that damn animated smiley eating some popcorn. When you see someone starting an argument on a forum, have a look through their previous posts and a lot of the time you'll see they remain completely silent unless there's a pot for them to stir - some people only exist on forums for the fights! Completely bonkers.Once the forum is filled with blather, there's less motivation to put the effort in and post something good. You could spend ages knocking up a thread, something very interesting with loads of home-brew content - took you two hours to write, you found a load of photographs and all sorts. Doesn't matter though, because it'll get washed away as people are too busy chatting about TV, having a pointless argument, or just posting a load of lol-ocks up elsewhere. So you feel like you've wasted your time and as a result people just can't be bothered making the effort anymore and the forum ends up in a constant cycle of blather and dross. The end!

[Cavcraft]

I'd agree with that Hirst but could it also be argued that people who that look for the slightest sign of negativity to jump on are also guilty of dragging forums down?For me personally it's the moderators job to look after crap/abuse/spamming etc and whilst we've probably all felt like wading in (and indeed may have done so) perhaps having a 'report' button next to every post is the answer?That way people can report stuff they don't like (along with a reason why) rather than adding fuel to the fire by jumping in and going like all 'wannabe mod' on people's asses? It's like with some they're desperate to be seen 'feeling the love' (for want of a better expression) where perhaps a pm to the person involved or a report to the mod's would the best option?I honestly believe that whilst decent posts on any forum can seem in the minority that regulars or lurkers are afriad to post in case they get flamed by the self righteous members.I don't think RR is 'shit' but I do get pissed off with people looking for the slightest deemed sign of dissent then going gung-go with the keyboard.

[Rusty Pelican]

Hirst , I agree with you in that posting for postings sake isnt good , ive been guilty myself im sure you will agree , I dont contribute much in the way of pictures , ive no photobucket so have to use FTP , I do try and start threads if i feel theres any interest ( Autoshite seat in government was one ) , but as a genuine Autoshite entheusiast I do like coming on here whenever possible , I suspect ive pissed people off on here somewhat in the past , but thats just life im afraid . R R is so big now I cant find my way around the place so dont go on there much , Hopefully AS wont get like that , but then any interest in old cars , be it modding , rodding or bodging is no bad thing

[Mr Lobster]

Very interesting reading this. I still like RR but don't tend to post that much largely as I don't have that much to add. There are some seriously talented people on there posting some seriously impressive stuff. Its a shame that all the negativity / moaning / whatever runs rampant and takes over from time to time.Have things gone down here as well? Probably but that is what happens as forums grow I suppose, I certainly don't tend to read all the threads anymore but theres still lots of good stuff. Generally as Hirst says, the more effort thats put into constructing a post, the better it generally is to read.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

  Cavette said:

I'd agree with that Hirst but could it also be argued that people who that look for the slightest sign of negativity to jump on are also guilty of dragging forums down?For me personally it's the moderators job to look after crap/abuse/spamming etc and whilst we've probably all felt like wading in (and indeed may have done so) perhaps having a 'report' button next to every post is the answer?That way people can report stuff they don't like (along with a reason why) rather than adding fuel to the fire by jumping in and going like all 'wannabe mod' on people's asses? It's like with some they're desperate to be seen 'feeling the love' (for want of a better expression) where perhaps a pm to the person involved or a report to the mod's would the best option?I honestly believe that whilst decent posts on any forum can seem in the minority that regulars or lurkers are afriad to post in case they get flamed by the self righteous members.I don't think RR is 'shit' but I do get pissed off with people looking for the slightest deemed sign of dissent then going gung-go with the keyboard.

Its a crazy idea, what what about just ignoring these goons instead of wittering on abaut them/grassing them up/flaming them/trying to catch them out with a witty reply. Its a long shot but it might just work. Also, If I was a moderator, i'd keep stats of who's pressed this 'report' button the most, and publically give them a 'Hyacinth Bucket virtual busybody' award, before banning them for a laugh.

[Guest]

Everyone will be guilty of posting for the sake of it at some point, it's an easy thing to do and that's ultimately why it happens, it's not even a bad thing in itself as long as it doesn't become the norm. It's not to be confused with just posting up small bits of content - if your aim is to help, inform or even give someone credit for a job well done, you're probably not far wrong. It's more the mentality of just sticking the oar in to watch your post count go up, thinking it'll gain you entry into some kind of exclusive members club because everyone will know you.And have to agree with the above, the only way to deal with people who try to start fights on the Internet is to completely blank them (or at least reply with something so utterly absurd that they can't really respond). No point trying to enter the fight as anyone can make anyone sound like a dick by quoting their post into little bite-sized chunks and having a go at each bit in turn, taking stuff out of context and using Google to back up their points.

[brammy777]

Hmmmm, heres something to even it about just a bit. Have some true shite OAP styleeeeeeeee:

[Guest]

......skool

[Minimad5]

Great picture brammy !It was mentioned people say "+1" to kind of feel "Part of the gang" .I would like to say that personally, i don't do this for that reason, i just do it to make the point raised, stand out more or to push the idea.Example Thread creator = "Just brought a new car"Autoshiter = "Pictures please"Me = "+1" To me this pushes the idea that people are actually interested in his or her thread, and can't wait to see pictures Just thought i would say, as not everyone follows the croud.Anyway I'm freezing - grumpity grump

[Guest]

Other than the interniceme buggery currently engulfing RR, my main grump today is with the Austrian Post Office.The Executive Team at work were having trouble tracking the whereabouts of a parcel that had got lost somewhere in transit in Austria. They were getting nowhere ringing the office and asking if they spoke English, and other than a lad who grew up on an army base in Germany (who was out), I was the only other person who could speak enough German to call them up.So muggins 'ere has a go. It's been a long bleeding time since AS level German (Abitur), but after several arseholes shouting 'NEIN!' down the phone before slamming it down, I finally got through to a lovely lady whose English was better than my German (thank God) and I was told...............that the van had run over the box by accident and everything inside was smashed to bits. Items which couldn't be replaced as they were all from the sale. ARSE BURGERS.Well, I felt clever for all of thirty seconds. Fucking heroic.

[CIH]

Bloody insurance call centres that are permantly "experiencing unusally large call volumes" and you keep you hanging for 30mins+.

  warren t claim said:

The good people of AUTOSHITE are more inclined not to take offence at comments about their car than people on other forums.I have had a massive lob on for a 924 for the last three years and I will get one soon if the funds are permitting and I know I will get a few comments about it being an LT coupe etc on here but I wont take offence 'cos thats part of the fun. I would do it to someone else anyway.

You, me, LT. Autoshite seems to be indulging in much Porsche shiteness recently. Maybe it shold be manadatory for new members.

[Lankytim]

The Volvo forum has an option where you can "like" someones post. I.E, somone will post that they love Volvo 340s, and below will appear a list of people that "like" whats been written. It seems to work very well and cuts out much of the +1 clutter.Maybe AS could have "like" and a "this is bollocks" buttons.

[Angrydicky]

  CIH said:

Bloody insurance call centres that are permantly "experiencing unusally large call volumes" and you keep you hanging for 30mins+.

I was just about to post this very grump! Were you trying to get hold of Footman James?'Footman James is a trading name of AON Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority' - Feck off.

[pogweasel]

These "call centres" probably don't just do car stuff, they are busy being berated by angry people who HATE ICEDLAND.

[Father Ted]

Hi Definition Ready Flat Screen Telly?CHECKFreeview Built In?CHECKHi Definition Freeview DecoderPHAILSo my option? To lash out £180 on a Hi-Definition decoder box.Yar right - I dont think so. What the hell is the point of producing HD telly that doesnt actually receive HD telly pictures?Also eBay lemons who want something for nothing.

[Parky]

Jeez, you wanted to try and call British Airways earlier.....

[Guest]

  Angry Dicky said:

  CIH said:

Bloody insurance call centres that are permantly "experiencing unusally large call volumes" and you keep you hanging for 30mins+.

I was just about to post this very grump! Were you trying to get hold of Footman James?'Footman James is a trading name of AON Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority' - Feck off.

I rang them at 4.30 today to get a quote on a potential purchase, and I got through in about 45 seconds. Sorry.

[Rusty Pelican]

  Angry Dicky said:

  CIH said:

Bloody insurance call centres that are permantly "experiencing unusally large call volumes" and you keep you hanging for 30mins+.

I was just about to post this very grump! Were you trying to get hold of Footman James?'Footman James is a trading name of AON Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority' - Feck off.

I wish Footman James would change the bloody tune they use whist they put you on hold for the 10th time , fucking thing haunts me now even though ive no idea what the hell it is

[Tayne]

.

[dollywobbler]

Vivaldi IIRC. And I haven't been with them for a goodly while now! The hold music wasn't the entire reason for moving, but was probably a large part of it!

[Angrydicky]

  watanabe said:

  Angry Dicky said:

  CIH said:

Bloody insurance call centres that are permantly "experiencing unusally large call volumes" and you keep you hanging for 30mins+.

I was just about to post this very grump! Were you trying to get hold of Footman James?'Footman James is a trading name of AON Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority' - Feck off.

I rang them at 4.30 today to get a quote on a potential purchase, and I got through in about 45 seconds. Sorry.

Bastard.

  dollywobbler said:

Vivaldi IIRC. And I haven't been with them for a goodly while now! The hold music wasn't the entire reason for moving, but was probably a large part of it!

Indeed. Vivaldi four seasons Unfortunately I'm stuck with them as they are the only company that would insure me for a reasonable price (19 years old and classic cars). You might be pleased to know I was ringing for a quote for the 2CV

[Polystratus]

  Father Ted said:

Hi Definition Ready Flat Screen Telly?CHECKFreeview Built In?CHECKHi Definition Freeview DecoderPHAILSo my option? To lash out £180 on a Hi-Definition decoder box.Yar right - I dont think so. What the hell is the point of producing HD telly that doesnt actually receive HD telly pictures?

Just seen the ad on Freeview that says it's going HD - it's done to screw more money out of you.