this site

Inevitably, people's non-car lives will show in the normal day-to-day goings on on R-R (that's how come we know someone has a duck!), but we don't want a social club*, we want a car forum.
Threads about people's jobs, pets or gripes about dustbins and plumbers don't attract new members, in fact they do the opposite. When most of you joined you came to a forum that had pages and pages of retro cars, handy hints, technical know how, intelligent analysis, great pictures and a load of cars that you'd never heard of or thought that you were the only one who remembered. If it was full of pictures of dogs and whinges about Tony Blair would it have drawn you in the same way?



* That's not to say that the social side isn't a positive thing, but it's still about the cars. I've made some good friends and met some great people via R-R.

Very well said

yeah but you could never be sure that someone had not posted something interesting/car-related in there (this is a car forum after all), like an introducion to their fleet, or an old family photo with a Chrysler 180 in the background, or a youtube clip of an old car TV advert, or whatever. If they did do that, clearly it would be to the detriment of the main 'general' section.

Why have an OT section? I honestly can't see what the actual, positive, benefit would be really. If its not car-related why put it on a car forum?

I think its been mentioned several times, but its our postings, questions, pictures and information about retro cars that makes this forum. I understand the mods can't control the types of threads, the for sale section in particular is fast becoming a free ads for random objects. The readers rides, is usually my first port of call, as that encompasses what this forum is all about - showing off and appreciating retro cars. I'm hoping the new forum will inject some life into what is actually a pretty good set up - most threads are written by intelligent people, without having to 'txt' talk and we are mostly all genuine retro car fans. And I vote a resounding no for an OT thread. Best leave that for MSN.

Of course there's always the argument that the OT thread were it to exist would wither on the vine as people keep talking cars here.

But for me I think this forum has it about right. For every thread with barryish tendencies there are plenty of others about insane 'rods, scrap motors, bikes, sh1te old eastern european tat, Japanese car culture, the list is endless, diverse and entertaining reading.

I'd say it aint broke, so don't fix it!

:)I'd complain cos it wasn't £501!

1) This forum is excellent.

2) it should NOT be changed in any way. NO more sections.

3) I quite like the O/T threads - see current examples for what i like. generally have some car-based discussion.

4) If we do not have any social interaction in the threads, we wil simply become a long list of projects and rides. YAWN.

5) They say how a man does one thing, is how he does another. Also that modifying a car is a representation of yourself, your mindset etc. To see someones taste in cars/mods, is to see their personality and as such we cannot exist without social relationships and perceptions forming.

6) The mix in the General Section is spot on, and you mods are doing a splendid job. Tiny things like ebay cars in the thread, Text Speak, and advertising really new cars/non-related items in the For Sale/Wanted section is all that needs kept in check.

7) Specifically towards HKP: there is no harm in what another forum creator taught me; that is, if you criticise a car, explain why. and thats the way I play it, if I feel strongly enough to post, then I try to convey my reasoning. Same thing when it comes to offering opinions. I've noticed it happening to you too, but don't fear, as long as you explain your mindset, it is up to you whether you like/dislike/agree/disgree with anything that is posted or not.

8) I like grubby threads, even about relatively modern cars. I'm in that little bandwagon of mildly skilled but knowing nothing technical, and to me, curing an ignition fault by way of rotor replacing is an achievement! although, i daresay I wouldn't feel compelled to post that, but if I hadn't been "nurtured" on a couple of forums, I would never have reached even this stage. So if someone posts up something the experts/veterans see as inconsequential, remember this is like when your kids took their first step. And just like the kids, you should encourage them to keep at it even when they fall, and also encourage them to look into zetec conversions

Peace Out.

Haha! fair enough! I have OCUK if I ever want to read OT inane drivel anyway!

I think criticism of cars posted up is fine if it's backed up with something, i.e.: "I don't like it because A B C. If it were mine I'd do X Y Z." or "I don't like it, but here's a pic of one I do like"

Oh, and it's a big fat NOOoooooo to an OT section from me!