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August 2002: Lend a Helping Hand

Rob

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1990 Corvette ZR-1
<h3 align="center">Lend a Helping Hand</h3><img src="/images/columns/wheelspin/wheel_rob.gif" width="175" height="85" border="1" alt="wheelspin column" align="left" /><font size="+3"><b>I</b></font> had originally intended on writing this month's Wheelspin on the topic of car shows, but due to a recent incident here on the forums, I decided to take the opportunity to talk about something a little different: lending a helping hand to others.

When I set out to start the Corvette Action Center, I wanted the site to be unique, helpful and educational to Corvette owners, Corvette enthusiasts and those who are looking to learn more about the marque and the unique culture and community that revolve around the marque. As stated in our Mission Statement: "The prime directive of the Corvette Action Center is to promote the awareness, preservation and enjoyment of the Chevrolet Corvette and help educate owners and enthusiasts by providing a professional and reliable online source of Corvette news and information."

As the Corvette Action Center has evolved, I have spent considerable time observing other Corvette related web site communities, how they operate, and how their members interact with one another. What I observed was the driving force behind my decision to start an online community here on the site. It is my hope that the members we attract to our community have a desire to not only learn about the Corvette, but also to help educate other folks who might not be as educated on the Corvette or automobiles in general.

The Corvette is the type of automobile that commands a fair price both new and used. As a result, not everyone can afford one and the average age of the Corvette owner is, (correct me if I'm wrong) around 45 years old according to past GM marketing studies. As with any community, the members will consist of various ages, education levels and personalities. It's inevitable that some members will clash with others due to differing opinions, beliefs, etc. The majority of the community will probably be older and settled down, however, a smaller percentage of the community will also consist of members that are much younger and may not be as educated in the Corvette or automobiles in general.

That's where I hope that our members step in, lend a helping hand and educate one another without passing judgement on that person for their lack of knowledge. I hope that everyone feels comfortable coming here to learn about the Corvette and participate in the discussions within the community. That includes helping one another out.

I understand that we're all human, and that it's easy to lose patience with one another for whatever reason. This form of communication via the internet also makes it extremely easy to say things to one another that you normally wouldn't say in person. All I ask is that before you get ready to fire off a flame (insult) in response to another member, stop, take a deep breath, and comeback to the offending post later on, before responding and pressing that submit button.

If someone posts erroneous information, simply point out the inaccuracies and provide the correct information. Once that's done, it's a win-win situation. You helped the person who supplied the incorrect information, and you helped set the record straight for everyone.

I would also like to ask that if someone does not want to be contacted via email or private messages, please respect that member's wishes. If you have issues with another member's actions here on the forums, or if you feel another member is way out of line, please contact one of the Moderators or myself and we'll deal with the situation. There's no need to post or start a new thread regarding the situation in question.

We're not only here to meet other Corvette owners and enthusiasts and talk about the Corvette, but we're also here to learn and help one another. I think it's safe to say that in general, Corvette enthusiasts are known for their kindness and generosity towards other Corvette enthusiasts. Lets set an example here and extend that same level of kindness and generosity towards those who would like to learn more about the Corvette and become a fellow enthusiast.
 
Very well put Rob!

-Eric
 
Amen, Rob. The :CAC is the best!

:w
Guy
 
It is too bad that you even had to have a discussion about that stuff. However, this is a great place for corvette enthuisiasts. and those incidences are probably few.

Highest comendations for starting up such a informative sight. I love to be able to get help from others and to see things from other viewpoints. I also enjoy, if my past experiences can help someone else, or at least provide them with another option or viewpoint.

Great Sun-Zu quote.
 
Your words say so much and they are very true.

Myself I'm a first time Vette owner and waited a good 35 yrs to be able to afford this car. From the people that I have met in upstate New York they seem to be about 50 - 55 on the average. I eagerly seek information about Vettes and have learned sooooo much from talking to others. I can only hope that the information they learned has come from people that are as generous with their thoughts as those CAC members.

OPINION is one of the most powerful words we have to use for it gives each person the right to be right without question, does it mean that others are wrong, NO because its their OPINION. This allows you the oppurtunity to reach for more knowledge if you so desire.

I'm about 1 day short of being as old as dirt but not a day goes by that I don't learn something new. I wish that I had been a member of CAC before I had purchased my Vette, you folks are a wealth of knowledge, I would have still purchased the vette but I would have been more aware of its condition and would have haggled more on the price.

CAC is a gem of a website. :upthumbs
Thank You
Chuck
 
Rob: To yourself and others..... I am a member of another "popular" Corvette website, but I do not actively participate for all the reasons you wrote in this letter. It seems on the other "forum", if you ask a question, someone makes sure you feel like an idiot. I can honestly tell you that 99% of the responses on the Corvette Action Center are positive, helpful, and insightful. I also beleive that this is a tribute to you and the moderators on this site. The members that participate really care about their fellow Vette enthusiasts. Thanks for such an outstanding and informative (low pressure) site. I always talk to others about www.corvetteactioncenter.com!!

Regards to all :CAC
 
Ctfoodguy2000 said:
It seems on the other "forum", if you ask a question, someone makes sure you feel like an idiot.

Been there, done that :eyerole. This is THE place where anyone can feel comfortable knowing they won't be roasted when posting questions. I've met some of the CAC gang and many I have not, but I feel like I know many of you. Thanks, Rob for making the CAC what it is! I hope to meet many CAC members in Carlisle.

:w
Guy
 
Not owning a full-scale corvette yet hasn't stopped me from learning a great deal. I appreciate all the valuable information and feedback. I know that when I (not soon enough) go to purchase a corvette, I have the experiences and great group of enthusiasts on my side.

:CAC ;worship
 
I agree!

I have visited the other sites and the feeling I get there is one like a 40 year old might feel when walking into a night club of 18 to 20 year olds. The discussions here make me feel proud of ownership in a professional, sincere site. Keep up the good work! I thoroughly enjoy the info.
 
One more that agrees!!

I also have been to 'other sites' only to come back for the quality of people of this site.

:s
 
Having found the big site first, it didn't take me long to realize that Corvette NH (later to become the Corvette Action Center) felt a lot more like home. Sometimes we need to ask, before we hit the send button, if we would say what we just typed to this person if we were face to face.

Tom
 
Other sites? We don need no stinkin' other sites! :SLAP

Thanks for a great site from a new member. Haven't felt the need for "other sites".


Hooray for :CAC
 
Thanks everyone. I'm glad that members feel comfortable here. Enjoy!
 
ddmau said:
Other sites? We don need no stinkin' other sites! Thanks for a great site from a new member. Haven't felt the need for "other sites".

Yeah, what he said. I've never even been to another corvette forum other than CAC. Haven't had any reason! I love this place!

And yes, ages/maturity/knowledge all contribue to friction at times. That's the reason I stopped participating in the site devoted to my daily driver. Too many kids, not enough manners/knowledge/sense...

Me, I'm happily somewhere in the middle. I'm 25 and have had my vette since I was 18. And I never took the attitude that you find nowadays. I was always just cool about it, hanging out in the back. Didn't need to prove anything to anyone. Having the car was enough. It spoke for itself (and still does!)

To IronCity
Hey..you have the models..that's a start!
 
Evolution1980 said:


Me, I'm happily somewhere in the middle. I'm 25 and have had my vette since I was 18. And I never took the attitude that you find nowadays. I was always just cool about it, hanging out in the back. Didn't need to prove anything to anyone. Having the car was enough. It spoke for itself (and still does!)

To IronCity
Hey..you have the models..that's a start!

Very well said!!
 
Hi, Rob,
I had no idea that you actually started this site. One heck of a job! I go to "the other site" also. In general, CAC is more technical and serious where the other is more of kidding around. If you want serious info, this is the site and yes-lets keep it that way.:w :beer
 

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