Bulldog
Don't Haze The Newbie
Posts: 21
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Post by Bulldog on Oct 21, 2014 11:22:24 GMT
I think that what we need is a "New" motorcycle! The poor "Old" GL 1800 has been dragged around the Globe substantially.
A little controversy from time to time can be good. But just controversy, is not what will run a machine such as this.
I do not fix blame on any of the other boards from stopping "Raids" on their membership. They have an investment and want to protect it. Like it or not!
Peoples and or Sheepples need a reason to make change. Give them a reason and they will change. If anyone is good at marketing skills, then this should be a breeze. Is it a numbers game we want to play or is it a need for "Quality" posters to join to make this all interesting?
I know that many folks would just Love to see the Vertical Scope sites to die and have them plummet to earth without a parachute. I have received 1 email from a member on this board, telling me that he can no longer make purchases from me, as I am a Paid Sponsor on the VS board. He still wants to be my friend but unless I cancel with VS, Shinhopples is dead in his books. What kind of reasoning and or Bravado is that?
I hear talk about habits and getting people to change. I have been fighting this in my own commercial endeavor. Even though I provide excellent service, best prices and support "financially" many events to this family, they still run to the other vendors that do squat for this family and make their purchases there. What do those other Vendors support and come out of pocket for? Oh I know, "We will match prices", seems unfair but that is life. I can't tell you how many events I have attended where someone will drag me to their bike and show me the "Farkel" that they just purchased from so and so even though I had the better price. There is very "little loyalty" in this world and I can live with that! Freedom of choice is most important to me and I respect that!
I think that folks just get tired of "More of the same", and just bitching for the sake of bitching.
We are all individuals and there are no heroes in this internet thing. 1 man 1 vote! Look back at all of the "Stand-out" guys from the VS board. They have all been retired, either voluntarily or not!
I despise Drama, dislike controversy and truly like all you guys and gals.
Bulldog
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LarryM
Goldbutt
Posts: 55
Bike Year / Level: 2002 Illusion Blue GL1800
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Post by LarryM on Oct 22, 2014 20:49:11 GMT
That's really a shame Bulldog, but it's only one person. There are all sorts of odd reasons that people give for not shopping with x or y company. It happens to every business. Nobody gets all the customers. The best you can do is gain more customers than you lose. That means you are growing.
I don't like drama, and don't like complaining just for the sake of complaining, but anyone here who knows me knows that I love a good civil debate. I know most things about my bike blindfolded, so those days are gone, and to an extent I have even grown tired of answering the same questions over and over, (except for electronics stuff), so yeah, a new bike would be just what the doctor ordered just to keep the message board juices flowing.
In the meantime, most of us have developed friendships on the boards over the years, and those are worth hanging on to.
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Bulldog
Don't Haze The Newbie
Posts: 21
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Post by Bulldog on Oct 22, 2014 21:26:35 GMT
Larry,
I agree with your post 100% for all the right reasons!
I was not crying, just making a statement about how folks will treat you no matter what you do for them.
I make no excuses about who I am or what I do. I plan on continuing being whom I am, not what some would like me to be.
I would love to see this site become a force and if I can be a part of that, count me in!
Bulldog
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kwthom
The Parking Lot
Status? I have no status - here or anywhere else, don'tcha know.
Posts: 242
Bike Year / Level: 2016 GL1800
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Post by kwthom on Oct 30, 2014 23:48:20 GMT
For what it's worth, here's my 1/50th of a dollar on the topic (not that anybody asked, mind you...)
The previous location is where a large percentage of you went when one of the *other* forums got all draconian and strict - way back in the day. In addition, many of us nOObies to the bike just started to become interested in finding knowledge and wisdom about the bike we were considering or the bike we eventually bought. I learned about the two major forums by (of all places) the WOTI (Wings on the Internet) email list - yeah, been around *that* long!
The founder of the other place did back then exactly what Lewis (and Chris) have both done - set up a new location, and are hopeful that the population - or a significant chunk of it - follows to the new location on the webz.
Much like it took a great deal of time to have several thousand members at each 'home' many of us will continue to "see what's up" in all of these places - even the original place, just because.
Right now, this puts me on about five motorcycle-specific forums on a quasi-regular basis. For many, the visit might only be a few minutes long, other times it might be 20 or 30 minutes. Anyway - my perspective from this side of the keyboard.
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LarryM
Goldbutt
Posts: 55
Bike Year / Level: 2002 Illusion Blue GL1800
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Post by LarryM on Oct 31, 2014 20:58:12 GMT
My reasons for growing tired of the other board was not necessarily the crackdown. I don't do anything that would warrant a risk of being banned. The new strict policies about discussing other vendors, including myself is a bit overboard, but even that wasn't the final straw.
What did it was the arguing and complaining just for the sake of arguing and complaining. I think people have gotten to the point where they will bash the Wing just to prod people.
The Wing is not perfect. Heck, Lewis and I have both made a pretty good living out of fixing the Wing's problems. But overall they are minor, and at some point, you just have to get over it, move on, and enjoy what you have. How can I be so happy while they can be so bitter? I have the same bike as everyone else.
I just read a thread yesterday where an owner was having a fit because an accessory dealer wouldn't share their source for a part he wanted to buy. He was going on and on about how he would never deal with that company because of what he considered their poor customer service.
Really? Do I really want to converse with people that think that way? Is it even worth the bother?
Jeez. I just realized I climbed on a soap box. It was a tiring day. Thank goodness for weekends.
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kwthom
The Parking Lot
Status? I have no status - here or anywhere else, don'tcha know.
Posts: 242
Bike Year / Level: 2016 GL1800
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Post by kwthom on Nov 2, 2014 12:44:38 GMT
<...>I just read a thread yesterday where an owner was having a fit because an accessory dealer wouldn't share their source for a part he wanted to buy. He was going on and on about how he would never deal with that company because of what he considered their poor customer service. Really? Do I really want to converse with people that think that way? Is it even worth the bother?<...> Nope...not at all - not worth the efforts to maintain your sanity and to placate the masses. Weather is definitely turning autumn-like as far south as the deserts today. I would expect that the typical northern-hemisphere increase in discussions (since much of the riding will soon only be keyboard riding...) might get those increases in participation everyone is looking for.
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Post by theastutereader on Nov 3, 2014 21:26:29 GMT
I realize that it takes time for a forum to build a presence, but what is it going to take to get this board going? Free beer, free pizza, and scantily-clad dancing girls would be a good start.
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mickey
Don't Haze The Newbie
Posts: 24
Bike Year / Level: 93 GL1500 WITH HACK, '14 INDIAN CHEIFTAIN,'54 ARIEL SQ 4
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Post by mickey on Nov 4, 2014 21:01:52 GMT
a little info please, I am mostly a new guy to most of you,i have been semi lurking for years on the other board(moonlite on that board) so that is why I made the trip here,this is the type of forum I appreciate,pal's talkin' to pal's, strangers talkin' to strangers, all done with respect. with that said,i want to know if you want members here that can't get along?do ya want the bickering and the disrespect? it seems like political and religion topics bring this out no matter how many times people are reminded to be respectful, sorry to say, it's already started on the other new board, I don't know the answer on how to avoid it,setting up rules doesn't seem to work, moderating doesn't seem to work, would it be possible to set up a approval system for membership to weed out possible trouble makers?i don't know how it could be done,as all they would have to do is change their name(not very adept at computers), don't know if there is a surefire way to accomplish any of this, just wondering and maybe if someone comes by and reads this they will get the idea. I don't know if I made any sense or not after reading this, maybe I could have made it a lot simpler if I just said"BE CAREFUL WHAT YA WISH FOR", one last thing,can anyone tell me why they bring that crap to motorsickle oriented forums? thanks for listening
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LarryM
Goldbutt
Posts: 55
Bike Year / Level: 2002 Illusion Blue GL1800
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Post by LarryM on Nov 5, 2014 12:37:40 GMT
mickey, you make some good points. Let's face it. Most of us who are passionate about what we believe in can be troublemakers from time to time. We're human. It happens. But you are right that politics and religion have no place in a motorcycle forum because it is impossible for it to remain civil.
It is normally the little extracurricular comments that set people off. A person can offer a polite and reasonable rebuttal, an then thrown in "It's all Obama's fault" at the end, and that one comment ends up being all that people will focus on. The rest of an otherwise good post becomes irrelevant. It boils down to self restraint, not monitoring by admin. I am guilty of little sarcastic quips and digs from time to time myself, so I'm not pointing fingers. That is one of the reasons why I am here. It is a fresh start. I have to start reading my posts before hitting that submit button.
This shouldn't be the most popular thread going. It's time to get down to business and come up with some topics to discuss. And I still haven't weened myself off the other board. It's worse than breaking the smoking habit.
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mickey
Don't Haze The Newbie
Posts: 24
Bike Year / Level: 93 GL1500 WITH HACK, '14 INDIAN CHEIFTAIN,'54 ARIEL SQ 4
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Post by mickey on Nov 5, 2014 12:57:11 GMT
appreciate the response,not trying to upset anyone,hate to see sumthin good go down the tubes for people that really are friends, another reason, I haven't seen anyone talkin'about this board on other forums, thought maybe there might be a reason for that. I notice lewis hasn't advertised on here ,so I assumed it is a place he put together for the above mentioned reason, a place for like minded folks to enjoy, and thank you lewis and if I'm wrong or offended anyone,i apologize. if ya all really want more people from the general population to come here than I will be happy to tell others about a great forum you have here,i just happen to know 2 other people
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kwthom
The Parking Lot
Status? I have no status - here or anywhere else, don'tcha know.
Posts: 242
Bike Year / Level: 2016 GL1800
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Post by kwthom on Nov 6, 2014 2:22:30 GMT
<...>one last thing,can anyone tell me why they bring that crap to motorsickle oriented forums? thanks for listening
I'll take this part of it on... This is a sociology lesson if there ever was one - and that's definitely not my specialty. I work well with things, not with people. Anyway, here we go - my take on it all. A significant number of the members here live 'near' each other (okay, within a two day ride or so...), have met in 'meetspace' (real-life) probably several times over the many years these computer-widgets have become a way of communicating with each other. Now, motorcycle forums are a wee-bit old-school, as compared to things like the Book of Faces, Insta-whatever, and Tweet-me-crap. The clientele is also a bit 'old-school' (hell, not long ago, these people were still using email mailing lists for this type of communication!) - and as we know, old people don't like to change much at all. The forum that we're discussing here - all of us at one time or another participated there and became extended family for many of those same reasons. Rides like the the Harrison ride, the get-togethers in Florida, the ride in Death Valley, the Colorado rides, and many, many others, were rides that had a significant turn-out for these very reasons. Which is where I'm trying to get to. People tend to get very opinionated, and when prodded, will do whatever it takes to totally agree with what you just wrote, or will try to destroy every last morsel of YOUR personal reasoning out of a discussion because "darn it, you're wrong!" Motorcyclists, in general, are loners, but they do like to periodically share their experiences, their stories, and lives - particularly with those who share similar interests. Long answer boiled down to one sentence: Off-topic forums such as these gives all of us the opportunity to share non-motorcycling experiences, stories, and lives with those that might have a passing interest. Read them if you choose to, pass them if you don't. [/soapbox] I think I've made that comment that I'm on a LOT of forums these days, so it's going to be a little time spread a bit thinner. I'll do what I can to help with the discussion topics. It's a popular thread as it's a topic that everyone needs to come to grips with in their own way to be able to 'move on' if that's what it takes for closure, if necessary.
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Veritas44
The Parking Lot
Mere Pawn in Game of Life
Posts: 91
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Post by Veritas44 on Nov 6, 2014 11:30:23 GMT
Makes good Sense KW. To me anyways... Loners also tend to grow increasingly "Self-Important" over time far overstepping the line of Self-Reliance (an admirable Character Trait) into Megalomaniacal tendencies and compulsions. At least that's what my Psychiatrist says
Sometimes I even get the crazy misgiven idea that I am the Authority on what Threads and Discussions are worthy and which are not for everyone else Ain't that something?
Have an awesome Day everyone! Don't sweat the small "Stuff". It's All Good!
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FredinGa
The Parking Lot
Posts: 140
Bike Year / Level: 2001 GL1800A
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Post by FredinGa on Nov 6, 2014 13:56:37 GMT
A very interesting thread. Over the years, I've seen them come and go. Read the same questions asked in different forms, Read the same advice preached in different tones, Read the same comments with sugar coating and hot sauce added, and read most of the "know it all's" views from those who have just started riding. Having said that, most of us take on a new personality, myself included.
I have developed true friendships that I can count on two hands out of the thousands who post here and on other boards. For those thousands of others, the only thing we share is a desire to ride. I don't boast, I own an "OLD" Wing, I buy goodies/parts from whom I want and not by price, I do my own work/maintenance, and I attend what gatherings that appeal to me. Does that make me a loner?
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Post by Lewis EC on Nov 6, 2014 16:13:43 GMT
Nah. Makes you Fred.
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Wheels
The Parking Lot
Posts: 573
Bike Year / Level: '14" Candy Red with Hannigan Trike Kit
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Post by Wheels on Nov 6, 2014 19:54:05 GMT
. . . Does that make me a loner? Yes, as a matter of fact I do believe that it does. And hoping that I am one of those friends that you count on with both hands (do we need to talk about which finger you use? ), I would like to ask you for a small loan. Nothing big, just a few bucks to help me get by since I only have my retirement to call on. Small, unmarked bills would be most welcomed. I'll PM you where you can send the money. OR, you can use that old, ragged, bird killer you have to deliver it. Thanks buddy as I know I can count on you in these difficult times. While the buzz may not be strong, the friendships shared here by some of us are life long and the bike/trike served as a vehicle to help with developing them. I, like some, enjoy a place to visit where with a few keystrokes I can enjoy some laughs and catchup with good buddies. I continue to be appreciative of the efforts made by Lewis in making that possible. Until such time as I am asked/told to leave, I look forward to visiting and seeing many of the same names that welcomed me into the ranks of a sport/lifestyle that is just about unmatched in my life's adventures. Good folks who I have over the years had the pleasure to put a handshake on and spend time with. While not as busy as some, it's great to know that the "man" behind the curtain is a good man and cares with no agenda. Would it be fun to see a few more post up and share a few "true stories," sure it would. But it's still all good. Now, about that loan . . . . . . . . .
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