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<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.
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.