[augidog]

Specialty forums are not free service centers.

Regular people just like you have put a lot of time into being helpful to their fellow AstroSafari enthusiasts, and oftentimes they'll help you despite your ill manners. That's how they do here.

If you walked into a garage full of people you didn't know, would you just demand their help, or would you shake some hands and get to know them first?

That is all. I hope you're enjoying your van as much as I do mine.

 

[bryancraftyhands]

It may sometimes be thankless, but the giving is its own reward. Even better when what was given was correct on an unknown, or what was needed. (yes, dual connotations😄)

 

[Rod's Trucks]

Thanks augidog.
Sort of going along with that....
You walk into the local LAPS, and say I have an Astro Van, and want a ( you name the part).
How many questions need to be answered before they can even begin to process the question?
Year, Model, 2WD or AWD, are a minimum, to even get started
When asking for help on a specific problem, there is so much background information that needs to be a part of the diagnosis....nobody on the list is a mind reader, so come forth with the basic pertinent information if at all possible.
Rod J
Issaquah, WA

 

[markmitch]

I agree

 

[tungtide]

I have been helped numerous time. Thanks to all who have helped. I have learned to use the search window, because most questions have already been addressed.

 

[h.gil]

That's not to say all the information available here is correct. Not to go into detail, but I'm done believe everything I read here at first glance, it has to be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[Rod's Trucks]

That's not to say all the information available here is correct. Not to go into detail, but I'm done believe everything I read here at first glance, it has to be taken with a grain of salt.

h.gill...
Very true, hopefully with respect to most things you read any place, on most any subject.
If you are expecting every response to be right out of the factory manual, then I think your expectations are too high. For the most part, we are hobbyists.
I think most reasonable folks are able to look at the presented information as mostly coming from someones experience, being it in a professional background, or as a DIY'er; but it typically does provide a basis from which to start the 'weeding out' process.
I know I have been guilty of leaving details out of my postings that have caused some ambiguities. I appreciate the comments and feedback.
Few, if any, of us are professional technical writers. Some make great attempts, which I certainly applaud, and it all adds to the bank of general knowledge.

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

 

[WoodButcher]

ROFLMAO!
Right on Augie!
gil, Rod, here and at other forums I wouldn't likely answer how to spell "dog" but the fact is there are enough spellcheckers around, members who really know their stuff that I feel ok to answer knowing I'll be corrected pretty quick.

BTW,
THANKS AUGIEDOG!!!

 

[sixsix]

Today / Tonite is not the easiest time to get away to reading and posting.
I will defer to tomorrow.
Would really like to answer "in depth".

Interesting Topic title, etc, etc.

 

[augidog]

Interesting Topic title, etc, etc.

i added that bit for you.

i've always liked forums. i've run many different kinds, and actually created one that is still a leader in it's niche.

i recognized the beauty of this place right away. it's deep with technical knowledge, albeit a tad jumbled after so many years. but, the focus is SO doggone narrow, and the enthusiasm is through the roof, it's still a gold mine. if you're going to obsess on one thing, the M-Van is a pretty good choice.

 

[Mmusicman]

The often stated "replace the fuel filter" fix ALWAYS gives me a good laugh.
Not looking for a debate here (and not that there's anything wrong with it)..
I just see this reply almost everywhere, typically avoiding the real problem.

I have found lately these forums have become more of a repair forum.
So be it.

I do GREATLY appreciate when someone solves their trouble, and gives the fix that solved it.

 

[sixsix]

Haha, actually I thought it was going to be some juicy gossip about an unappreciative newcomer...

I always thought of this forum as a "Repair Forum" - the original reason most folks come here in the first place.
Some stay and become regulars that like to help. And of course show off.

I come here every day with the hopes that someone will have a question I can help answer.
Never have minded going out of my way when possible.
Thank goodness Gen I / early 90s type questions have died down - as I am having a hard time doing anything down there.

Did get my air hose fixed - 25 footer HD brass fittings with strain reliefs, plus a pack of Q'discs.
O'reilly's Nephew came thru with a Birthday/Christmas/Thanksgiving/New Years gift thingie... he's also our 420 entrepreneur.

but I digress...
For me, The Forum is also a way for me to speak my mind w/o pulling anyone's pants up ( or down ).
I will admit to hating the way people post up pics - that's NEVER going to subside.

We should band together and forbid crappy, sideways, blurry, weird closeup photos with oddball viewing angles of any kind.



yeah...

 

[augidog]

I do GREATLY appreciate when someone solves their trouble, and gives the fix that solved it.

that's how good people on good forums do, and they do it for the fun of it. it's pretty doggone difficult to journal a repair in progress.

actually I thought it was going to be some juicy gossip about an unappreciative newcomer...

it was only a general rant, but it was about the newcomer who doesn't appreciate what he or she is looking at. in my opinion, pounding out a vague 1st-ask with zero details, and nary a howdy-do, is a show of disrespect. i don't even treat people i DO pay for service like that.

 

[MechBob]

Hear hear,Augi!!!!
New posters, just to sell something, love how they all claim "been coming here for years!"
New Ones asking technical questions, as said, never posting year/make model. AND, never even attempting to use the search box above. It's a new generation, "why should I look it up, the net will tell me".
I remember people banned on forums for telling "newbies to RTFM and such.
I guess it's a whole new generation of how peoples minds work, and their expectations.
I refer the ones that never come back as "one hit wonders"
But,I will be fair it is not just here, other forums I frequent- old chevy trucks sites, wood and pellet stove sites, snow plow sites, lawncare sites, EXACTLY the same stuff is happening, and has been growing.
Gotta love questions like "my stove died, nothing happens when I push the button", no make/model/year. Sound familiar?
Or, "my sno-way plow controller is not working", yet 3 posts below is the exact same question, by a different person!. Or, I'll use the search box, and come up with 135 other threads!!!!
I guess its the way of the future, newer generations, lazy, incompetent and uncaring. I hope not, but am just looking at the facts.
So,generally I don't answer all questions,anymore. If the person seems incompetent and uncaring, I'll leave that to you guys, unless it moves into a situation that I feel helping might be the right thing. Just a few minutes ago, some question about a lock cylinder. He/she has been here a while, BUT, they had the part number, I put it into ebay, and came up with at least 2 results,in stock!! C'mon, man!!!!
OK, rant over, back to coffee, thanks again,augi, have a good day,all!
Bob

 

[intramural]

I can say you guys have helped me out quite a bit, despite my best efforts to be a buffoon.

It is pretty easy to parse out the "low effort" posts as MechBob said... doesn't make them any less annoying.

Happy New Year.

 

[sixsix]

Specialty forums are not free service centers....

One of the only things you have mentioned that I somewhat disagree with.
Not exactly sure what the inference is/was. LOL

You or someone mentioned that this is a "Specialty Forum".
And there is no charge.

Then again, unlike a "Service Center"... no waiting room, dirty techs or desk guys with half a brain.
...and it is nice to know that this is not a "Forum Full of Mis / Disinformation".

... and actually created one that is still a leader in it's niche.

Augi, what's that "niche" all about ?
I swear, I can keep a secret for a few weeks...



And... a few other items:
- I hear a lot lately from people that took their Van or talked to someone or online info that just "HEARING it's an Astro or a Safari" will scare 'em off. If it's engine, drivetrain and the like - keep in mind...
The GM 4.3L, The S-10 pickup, Bravadas & similar, Mercury Marine stuff - these names are all usable.
Ask for one used on the same year S-10.

• I hear now quite a bit - using R0ckAut0 to search for matching part numbers cross ref'g. over to the M class Vans.
• use "astrosafari.com" as well as your search terms in, IE, G00gull.

It will direct you to threads here, dates and number of posts, etc.
Beats the search engine on this site 100%
- We somehow have gotten by all these years without cell service.
Yes we own an upgraded Moto E -
Take it with us & charger - 911 in case of Emer.
Surfing the net / wifi is a pain - too small.

• I always give extra help if I detect that the newcomer is female w/ big uns.
• Hate T-shirts as formal wear, hoodies, hats covering ears/brows and piercings.

 

[augidog]

specialty aka singular focus.

service center aka paid support.

i suppose i could've been more clear.

long time ago, approximately 35 guys found each other on a small forum...ONE guy said he was going to tear down his motorized bicycle (chinese) engine's carburetor, THIRTY FOUR guys were waiting for pics to see what was inside their own. it has over 23K members now. i refused to monetize the endeavor plus i couldn't tolerate the hooliganism, and so i withdrew. it eventually lost top spot to a monetized carbon-copy, but it will ALWAYS be the original MB Forum that launched the online motorized bicycle craze.

 

[Mmusicman]

I was literally just given (last week) a practically new motorized bicycle (guy didn't use and was moving).. lightweight, looks like a high-quality bike. I don't know what it is.. but I did ride it around the block. Goes over 35. My wife got on it and wiped out. She's ok, bikes ok.. lol. No photos

 

[admin]

Specialty forums are not free service centers.

Regular people just like you have put a lot of time into being helpful to their fellow AstroSafari enthusiasts, and oftentimes they'll help you despite your ill manners. That's how they do here.

If you walked into a garage full of people you didn't know, would you just demand their help, or would you shake some hands and get to know them first?

That is all. I hope you're enjoying your van as much as I do mine. View attachment 287944

Although we do prefer the members of the community to stay around and continue to participate, there is nothing wrong with coming in just to get an answer to a question. There are many reasons to use the forum and people have different feelings about communicating online.

Our intention is to keep the forum as friendly and inviting as possible for all members. Even if they only come in, ask one question and then leave; if they get their answer, they may come back the next time they have a question.

I would not be too worked up over those who come by just for a quick answer. If you see it as a problem, why not spend a little time welcoming them into the site while providing their answers? I always encourage new members to visit the New Member Introductions and tell a little more about themselves and also welcome a few other new members. They still may not stick around, but as you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, being friendly and inviting will keep these members around a lot longer than being hostile to their first question.

Daniel

 

[augidog]

Although we do prefer the members of the community to stay around and continue to participate, there is nothing wrong with coming in just to get an answer to a question. There are many reasons to use the forum and people have different feelings about communicating online.

Our intention is to keep the forum as friendly and inviting as possible for all members. Even if they only come in, ask one question and then leave; if they get their answer, they may come back the next time they have a question.

I would not be too worked up over those who come by just for a quick answer. If you see it as a problem, why not spend a little time welcoming them into the site while providing their answers? I always encourage new members to visit the New Member Introductions and tell a little more about themselves and also welcome a few other new members. They still may not stick around, but as you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, being friendly and inviting will keep these members around a lot longer than being hostile to their first question.

Daniel

i'm not "worked up" about the issue at all. mischaracterizing my post and then schooling me on how forums work indicates you didn't really read but only reacted...i'm well aware of how forums operate, and was not dinging on A/S.com in any way. your long-term contributors are of the highest caliber, and deserve at least minimal respect.

what i learned during my extensive tenure was that prioritizing impressions leads to a larger ratio of one-hit-wonders to contributing members. the so-called larger forum that overtook my forum, where we focused on quality & organization of content, has a TON more members on paper, but most of them are at the bottom end of the post-count and dormant.

i stand by my general rant about poor online manners, which (i feel) i placed in the appropriate area, and did not direct at any particular individual. if you think about it, the type of person i'm addressing won't even find this, nor care about it if they do.

(if you feel that this is more an off-topic issue, it won't bother me at all if you move it)