I have to say... The "tough crowd" comment bums me out. Im sure that the closeness a few of us who have been lucky enough to have actually spent real time together can be off putting at times. I certainly hope that your feeling isnt shared by others and in time you will not feel that way.
I do also have to say that of any forum I have belonged to this has been by far the most welcoming. Not only to me, but I see it every day towards others.
There are members here who have literally NEVER touched a bike before, yet picked one up, started working on it, and have gotten tons of help here.
The few times that I have seen anyone ignored or shunned (and I dont mean this towards you) is because they either refused to listen to those who tried to help, or simply had a piss poor attitude towards those that tried to help.
I know mwmbers that, on a daily basis, go through the Member Intro threads and welcome every new sign up. Hell, I try to do it myself when I can.
Sure there are times where it may seem like certain members do more for, and are more helpful to a certain group. Thats only because they KNOW these people. Not just here but in everyday life. Those are the guys they ride, build, and live with everyday. Of course they would be a bit more likely to lend a hand, or toss a part to those folks.
It doesnt mean that these members have a chip on their shoulders towards anyone else though.
One thing I have noticed of late is the fact that some newer members expect to be welcomed with open arms right away. As if simply signing up and posting a pic of their project entitles them to the same level of respect or friendship that many of us here have earned through years of helping eachother and sharing our lives, outside of the forum.
I dont mean to sound like we are a clique of any sort, but the reality is, when you have been a big part of eachothers lives on and off the site, its not always easy to just buddy up to every person that shows up. I know I and many other members certainly try to though. At the last Pittsburgh Mods vs Rockers, every one of us (some of whom Im sure Makr was referring to) spent half of our time searching out and MEETING DTT members who barely ever post, if at all. We made sure to shake their hands, and check out their bikes. We also made sure that they knew that whatever they were building or riding, it was all good here.
The machine is truly secondary to the person here. And thats what makes it the killer place it is. What other forum is down with ALL makes and models? All forms of customs? People of all backgrounds, colors, nations, and beliefs, whether male or female? Few that I know of, if any.
One of the things I would like to see, is a better policing of the members though. Not in a shitty, "what we say goes" kind of way though. Just a little more vocalization of what this place stands for to those that love it. And this cannot be only the job of the Admins. They created this place and work their asses off for US to have it. Give them a hand whenever possible.
A few thaing you can do though... When you see a bike you dont dig on, ignore the aesthetics and simply help with the problems you can. If you see someone who is only here to creat drama, or put others down, speak up. Do it like an adult though. This is no place for hate speak, or petty quarrels. If you speaking up like a proper human doesnt curb the issue, let the Mods know. Thats why were here.
I certainly never want to see anyone banned, or turned away, but sometimes its a necessary evil. At least if we want to mantain this place as a have for all who truly respect not only the machines, but those who create them.
What it all comes down to is that this place must remain a democratic conglomeration of all kinds. We need to police our own ranks, and keep the positive, all are welcome vibe going.
As a group we have a very real ability to help grow this sport/hobby/whatever into something greater. A true chance at shaping the ideals of a younger generation, and teach the that the past and those that lived it are what truly matter. We have the responsibilty to show the world that the horrid throw it away, and buy the newest model thought process is shit. We have to let those around us seee what can be done with our hands and minds when we actually let them work the way they were intended. This isnt just a forum for people who like bikes. This is a breeding ground for a new way of thinking, and a new way of making our world a little bit brighter. We cant do that if our concerns are only whether or not people get down on our bikes, listen to the music we do, or simply like us.
You will never get along with every member. So be it. That is the way of the world. Instead of holding a grudge or up and leaving, simply move on to the next idea flaoting around here. Help it grow. Pass along your knowledge and thoughts. The person youre helping, or who is helping you may end up becoming something more than just a screen name. I know I have gained some of ther closest friends here that any man could ever wish to have. Without some of them, I may be in a horrible place.
This site will only be as terrific as we allow it to be. It will only grow as much as we feed into it. It will certainly only fail if we force it to.
There is something truly bigger than us all going on here. The only realy question is whether you want to be one of the pieces that makes it a game changer, or one of the problems that makes it a mess.
Your choice everyone.
