TDB participation

[Tim G.]

[Leif A.]

Re: TDB participation

I have the same question, Mike. This thread won't get as much visibility in this section of the Web site, but I'll go ahead and ask something that's been on my mind.

Judging questions are common, and the usual responses are from members who have had their cars judged, NOT the team leaders. Why is that?

...seems to me that team leaders are the most authoritative source, so why don't they respond to judging questions?

As I peruse the list of team leaders in The Corvette Restorer I don't see names that I recognize as frequent contributors to the TDB. At least all have phone numbers and email addresses, and the one who would only respond via "SASE" was finally recently retired.

So... moderators, team leaders, what say you???

Duke

I've noticed this since day one of my membership. Rarely do you ever see a Team Leader or even high point judges responding to questions regarding judging i.e. what's right and what's wrong. I've had my '67 judged four times, and can't ever remember any one of the judges who judged my car responding to inquiries here on the TDB.
While, I certainly appreciate those that do regularly correspond here on the TDB, it would be nice to see more of the "experts" respond on a regular basis.
As to those threads that are repeats of questions asked over the years, if one does not want to respond they don't need to. My thoughts are these are "Oh, here we go again" types who have seen and/or answered these questions dozen of times but the originator of the post may not know that because they are new to the TDB and aren't familiar with the "Search" function yet. We have to remember that we were all new to this at one time or another and learned along the way...either by repetition or advice from a member who was willing to help.
The first time anyone of us did anything, it was a learning experience...yet over time it became second nature. I, for one, don't mind helping a "newbie" when and if I can.
JMHO

[Richard M.]

Re: TDB participation

Since I requested that this constructive discussion stay in the open-eyed area for positive feedback, I will express some thought.

I'm hoping it stays on topic with constructive ideas and stays on track and not to fall into a negative turnout.

Yes that policy mentioned exists, but we all benefit from each other's knowledge using this very civil platform. Many of us share knowledge as a basis to help others and share to keep the marque alive.

If this thread goes off preferred course I suspect it'll go back into the less observed SF&S area, or even removed entirely if it hits bottom. I've already been pinged with respect to the above, and wanted to share as a thought to consider when adding input.

Edit: As far as this forum platform goes, our Admins will likely have good reason if it changes. If it makes their job easier, we could be better off, particularly if the new s/w has improved features and not as limited and flawed as what we have. Look what happens to many when posting pictures. That's a vBulletin flaw that they won't support. corvetteforum had to do a completely new software application to fix it.

Rich

[Tom R.]

Re: TDB participation

My view, speculative of course, but TDB participation mirrors organizational participation whether its membership or judging events. Conduct a comparative analysis of TDB participation by generation to that of Judging event participation and I suspect one would find a parallel trend. I am doubtful a note or two in the Restorer/Driveline will change the trajectory unless the board wakes up and addresses the systematic issues that undermine participation beyond the first 2 and 1/3 Corvette generations!

I recall former NJC Roy Sinor posted "the numbers" of participation and it was most informative and insightful. Yet apparently, action failed to follow and now it is 2024. I recall a strategic initiative years ago but I suspect it died on the vine. To illustrate one area, or gap if you wish to refer to it, call it preservation if you wish. I have yet to see a single post on the TDB on a 75-82 tach board failure. Yet, the Corvette Forum is peppered with these "surprises" at least weekly. For those unfamiliar, in 1975, Corvette migrated form a mechanical tach to an electronic tach with HEI...still used to this day in your C8s. This generation is among those that frequent other forums for their technical information....the TDB is quite sparse in regards to "high-technologies" that accompanied Corvette production after 1972! The TDB did discuss PF 44 vs. PF 46!

I browse TDB daily! Whether home, on the road or in the medical office. I benefit from discussions that are either generic or specific to C3s. Case in point is that discussion on silicone brake fluid...you don't find that anywhere else! How to bottle it and sell it?

[Harry S.]

Re: TDB participation

I'll stay on the TDB for my technical information. A recent post on the CF said the "tachometer was simply geared to the transmission." Really!

[Jack M.]

Re: TDB participation

A reduction of quality input by several senior members can also be attributed to this......

• "By submitting messages, information and material to this service, participants grant the NCRS a perpetual royalty-free license to reproduce, edit, modify, publish, transmit, display, and create derivative works from, distribute or perform it in whole or in part or incorporate it in any form, medium or technology now known or later developed. The collected works of these forums is the property of the NCRS and may not be posted or reproduced elsewhere without permission."

When making comparisons to CorvetteForum or other FREE forums, one must compare apples to apples.
Contemplating your interpretation of FREE, please keep a few critical elements in mind:

• If they don't 'charge' you to sign-up or post, how do they possibly pay for everything?
• I could be mistaken, but the ads on CF help to supplement their MULTI BILLION dollar corporation.
• Are you aware of website tracking cookies typically used... and the potential sales of your personal info?
• And who owns the content on CF and other forums where you post... have you read their 'Terms of Use'?
• Do you really believe CF is providing a FREE forum, out of the kindness of their heart?
  If you've fallen into that category, can I interest you in a rare 1952 steel Corvette?

The NCRS has placed some rules and regulation in the forefront... other websites tend to hide them.
THANX to the IT Team, volunteers, and all those that help make the NCRS forum, a welcome and respected home.

[Kevin G.]

Re: TDB participation

Thanks, Rich, for seeing that this thread was moved back to the TDB after it was banished to the Support, Feedback & Suggestions forum yesterday; and much to my delight, it's now a "sticky"! Hopefully the discussion will continue with constructive comments that might lead to a better TDB.

Regarding this statement that I figure is in the NCRS bylaws:

"By submitting messages, information and material to this service, participants grant the NCRS a perpetual royalty-free license to reproduce, edit, modify, publish, transmit, display, and create derivative works from, distribute or perform it in whole or in part or incorporate it in any form, medium or technology now known or later developed. The collected works of these forums is the property of the NCRS and may not be posted or reproduced elsewhere without permission."

I'm not bothered by this. It's always been my feeling that trying to turn a hobby into a profit making enterprise means you need to find a new hobby, so I don't expect or need any compensation for my writing and appreciate that it's freely available to anyone who finds it useful.

In the last half of the nineties I was Southern California Regional Director for the Cosworth Vega Owners' Association. In that capacity I was required to write a quarterly newsletter and send it to members in my region, other RDs, and club officers. I decided this was a good way to take a deep dive into the history and technology of the Cosworth Vega and over five years I wrote 20 quarterly newsletters that ended up as a 250,000 word portfolio. Upon "retiring" from that position I gave the master copies of The Twin Cam Times portfolio to the club and photocopies are now part of the CVOA merchandise program for members, so hopefully they'll be available to members as long as the cars and club are around.

Duke

When making comparisons to CorvetteForum or other FREE forums, one must compare apples to apples.
Contemplating your interpretation of FREE, please keep a few critical elements in mind:

• If they don't 'charge' you to sign-up or post, how do they possibly pay for everything?
• I could be mistaken, but the ads on CF help to supplement their MULTI BILLION dollar corporation.
• Are you aware of website tracking cookies typically used... and the potential sales of your personal info?
• And who owns the content on CF and other forums where you post... have you read their 'Terms of Use'?
• Do you really believe CF is providing a FREE forum, out of the kindness of their heart?
  If you've fallen into that category, can I interest you in a rare 1952 steel Corvette?

The NCRS has placed some rules and regulation in the forefront... other websites tend to hide them.
THANX to the IT Team, volunteers, and all those that help make the NCRS forum, a welcome and respected home.

Gentlemen, Since my reply is the same to you both, I’ll post once.

Here, I am merely a gossip, repeating words spoken by others that will no longer reply with “Valuable Knowledge” because of these statements or terms.

Secondly, I made no reference or comparison to any other platforms paid for or free.

Finally to repeat, “Activity on the NCRS TDB is a perfect reflection of the past and present interest and overall Corvette enthusiasts involvement in the hobby”.

The high times will never be forgotten by those that experienced them but the graph will continue on its decline.

[Mark F.]

Re: TDB participation

...

Good. As a Corporate VP once said to me "Turn the page and move on..."

I will not miss at all those who are that insecure and/or so enamored with their fabulous knowledge that they stop SHARING the knowledge they gained from associating with all of those who shared info with them.

The folks who do share on this platform are the true genuine hobbyists...
Those are the folks I want to continue to be involved with.

[Jack M.]

Re: TDB participation

Kevin- Perhaps my point wasn't clear. Many members that complain about that 'statement', are simply unaware of how prevalent/typical it really is. So I guess that NCRS should simply hide it, like other websites do... would you think that would resolve the problem, and bring people back?

[David H.]

Re: TDB participation

... but I get the feeling that not many members work on their own cars .../

I believe Bill's observation is spot on.

No reason to ask questions when someone else is doing your restoration/repair.



CF, for all its faults, has a lot of traffic - all generations. Folks are interested in making their Corvettes run/run better. Corvettes for driving, not as garage art. Are we our own worst enemy?

CF's "Factory Correct Resto" section sees much less traffic than our TB. Plenty of interest in repairs etc. But little in restoration.

Being an "unmoderated" website, CF threads can get taken over by "no-nothing bullies" - whomever shouts (posts) the loudest wins. Result, answers on CF can be incredibly bad. Some knowledgable posters just go away - why put up with that BS?

Question, what impact of inviting some of these CF folks over here? Our TB is moderated, much to all our benefit - with members only posting. Our Tech group has plenty to do now - moderating an open membership board would seem to be a huge workload increase.

Is there a way to gain traffic to our Tech Board by increasing NCRS presence on CF? (Digital Corvette and Corvette Action Center seem to have much less traffic.)

Dave

[Kevin G.]

Re: TDB participation

Kevin- Perhaps my point wasn't clear. Many members that complain about that 'statement', are simply unaware of how prevalent/typical it really is. So I guess that NCRS should simply hide it, like other websites do... would you think that would resolve the problem, and bring people back?

Jack, Trust me when I say, those that spoke the words are well aware.

People won't be back. Enjoy what we have.

I aplaude any attempts so don't misunderstand, but those days of 1000's of users logged on this site, at the moment is history.

[Jack M.]

Re: TDB participation

Jack, Trust me when I say, those that spoke the words are well aware.

People won't be back. Enjoy what we have.

I aplaude any attempts so don't misunderstand, but those days of 1000's of users logged on this site, at the moment is history.

Kevin- Let me ask you... are these folkz posting elsewhere, have they completely dropped out, or just staying off the TDB?
If they contributed info/research/knowledge/etc in the past, did they believe one did so under the 'Cone of Silence'?
Did they ever contribute to a previous TIM&JG... if so, were they utterly PO'd when it was published for everyone to see?

Many NCRS members (including myself) post over at CorvetteForum... essentially, we've become our own worst enemy.
Why do people need to join/post here on the TDB, when all the info is freely given out over at CorvetteForum?
(where they make a LARGE profit on members backs, have similar 'Terms of Use'... yet more concealed, and nobody questions those)
In the past, I've been guilty, but now try to be more cautious and reserved in my responses... what about others?
And the dissemination of info (especially directly from Judging Guides) is rampant... so therez no need for them to join NCRS.

Ever notice how many people post the exact same question (and answers) on BOTH the NCRS and CorvetteForum?
I can understand the desire to get an answer to a troubling issue... but itz a double edge sword.
We think we are helping others... but at what expense to the NCRS?

The National Corvette Museum and CorvetteForum cater to a much larger crowd... we are just a small subset of the Corvette Community.
Unless we have a better plan, and people actually step up to HELP (instead of just complaining), we'll ultimately face dire circumstances.
Just one silly opinion... as usual, your mileage may vary.

[Terry M.]

[Bob W.]

Re: TDB participation

Terry, You hit the nail on the head. I agree 100% you covered it all.

[Keith B.]

Re: TDB participation

Anther thought is why doesn't NCRS try to recruit younger members with incentive offers of lower rates. But at that that lower rate they only get online copies of the Restorer and Driveline with access to the TDB.