Attn: Forum Moderators and Posters alike.

[Archive]

I apologies if this post seems foolish to all of you. But as an American... its VERY important to me.

I'm also sure this is the wrong way of going about it... but I've done so... in hopes that we all stop for a moment to thing about where we as a group are going... or intend to go.
Last but not least, my words are not coming from anger, but out of hope.

First I would like EVERYONE including Forum Moderators to re-read section 4. 0 of the Forum Guidelines... . At least twice. . It appears we've all forgotten what this group is about. . and why it was started in the first place.

I know you just read it. . but read this part again. . #ad

The TDR web site Discussion Forum is designed to help owners solicit input from others on the proper maintenance and operation of their truck. Most truck enthusiasts want detailed information; thorough analysis; entertaining reading;and friendly,accurate guidance.

Group purchases & Price posting:
Appearantly some of us do not want to deal with or see posts of this nature. And we all have that right!... But, like any topic of any nature... there are at least two sides. Unfortunately, we all too easily forget about one of those sides. A

gain, maybe its me, but I fail to see a proper execution or re-direction of this type of "talk". (YES, I've been to the classifieds #ad
)

To say this sort of talk should be done off-line... . At what point does it end?? Heck. . Why not say that about everything we discuss here?? Sorta contradicts itself.
While I also do not want to see every post containing this sorta info... . it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY in where to buy, who to buy from. . and if I'm getting a fair price. To me... thats thorough analysis... as you would say.

If this action was necessary due to some political reasoning... than it should be stated as such, including an explanation of why. So that people can relate and/or understand. I truly hope that isn't too much to ask. .

I joined the TDR two years ago because I liked what I saw. .
What I saw was a place for anyone, from any walk of life, regardless of financial status, race or color... to come together and make every one of our lives just a little better. . No matter how much or little that might be.
YES, isn't it amazing how a little Diesel fuel and a Cummins changed ALL our lives??

I don't want to see that disappear,only to be replaced by political mish mash.

Think about it.

 

[Archive]

Deezal Man,
Hopefully, I have read your message correctly. If not, and what I say is off base, I apologize. If I am mereley restating your point of view, well then there is power in numbers. I am fairly new here, but let me tell you what I see, and what I have experienced in just the couple of weeks that I have been posting. Sometimes I am looking for information and advice from real people who are using a modification, or maintenance related questions. I don't want all the banter about pricing and I got this for sale and the like. This type of banter should be reserved for another location. A couple of times already, I have been steered, even if only slightly, in a direction I didn't want to go, because I don't necessarily know who all the dealers and vendors are. I think it would be better if those people had to identify themselves a little better to help the newbies. I agree that this site is available to all walks of life. I don't like pushy salespeople in stores any more than I do here. And I don't want to step on anyone's toes here. I am sure there are alot of vendors/dealers here who really are trying to help others. But laws are made to protect the many from the few. It is the few who aren't as pleasant that are the reason for the guidelines. I have had some conversations via email with moderator Steve L. about this issue and am in complete agreement with him on the purpose behind the guidelines. I agree that they may not be absolutely perfect and all inclusive, but they are there for the good of the many. Hopefully, we can all learn to work within the confines of the guidelines so that this site is indeed entertaining, friendly and informative. If a person wants information on pricing, post a message for dealers to contact you via email. That has worked for me so far. This is just my 2¢. I am sure there are a few who will bash me on it, but this is a free country, and people have the right to object. Sorry about the long windedness of this message, but as much as you are frustrated on this topic, so am I albeit from a slightly different point of view.

------------------
Name: Craig Clairmont
2001 Quad Cab 2500 4x4, Short Bed, ETC, Auto, 3. 54 gears, SLT Plus, Sport, Forest Green Pearl, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, 305/70R16 Cooper Discoverer AT tires on Stock Rims, Grizzly Double Bend Chrome Bars, Catch-All Front Floor Mats, Weather Tech Smoke Colored Vent Visors, Engine is all stock... for now. Line-X bedliner coming this fall...

Other Mopars:
1978 Ram 4x4 - 440, Convertible, Club Cab, Step Side Bed - Project Almost Done

1968 Plymouth GTX - 440, 4 Speed, Black Buckets, Console - Project Ready to Get Underway

[This message has been edited by quadzilla (edited 11-08-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by quadzilla (edited 11-08-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I kinda-sorta agree with you guys... advise should not be a sales pitch. A suggestion, if I may: All those who are affiliated with a vendor or dealer IN ANY WAY, should disclose that in their signature. Just a thought.
Brian

 

[Archive]

Like it or not, not always paying top dollar appeals to some people (imagine that). It is also my understanding that this website's overall purpose is to inform it's readers about the many aspects of diesel world. Like it or not, buying parts and other goodies for our trucks (and the prices paid for said goodies)is all part of the need to know stuff that we come here for. Why don't you just put up a separate forum for group purchases and price comparision? Why should we have to go to other sites for group purchases? I realize that vendors pick up some of tab for some of the services provided on this website, but so do your subscribers.

Nothing against Carl's site (your efforts are much appreciated), but why should we have to leave here and go there for info that really belongs here? ... . My $. 02

 

[Archive]

I'll do my best to try and explain the TDR's position here as I have attempted to do in the past. On the group purchase issue - there have been many complaints coming in from the members and vendor's regarding the group purchases being in the discussion forums. Robert was having to spend an inordinate amount of time (as in hours) every week dealing with the issue. This issue has gone on and on for many months and was not getting any better. That is why the guidelines were updated and why the new classifieds section was created just for the group purchases. As to what information gets posted on the classified section - that is up to the individual posting the group purchase. There is nothing in the guidelines stating that prices cannot be posted in the classified section, BTW. We are attempting to find a balance on this issue between the needs/wants of the members and the concerns of the vendors. Robert is also trying to increase the amount of traffic in the classified ads area so as to make it more productive for the membership as well. Also, with the group purchase classified section you can go there and see all of the group purchases all at once and not have to wade down through the product forum to pick them out.

The motivating factor behind the guidelines continues to be questioned. I can assure you from all of my conversations with Robert that he really and truly wants the group purchases to happen. He thinks it's a great idea, brings more traffic to the site, benefits the members, etc. However, an individual can only spend so much time dealing with an issue before it's costing him too much. That is why there has been continued attempts at compromise - the classifieds section is simply the latest attempt.

As to pricing discussions on the forums - there is no prohibition against members talking in general terms regarding prices they've paid and talking about good vendors, etc. The only flat out prohibition to pricing discussions regards vendors and group purchases. The problem here is simply a matter of time - would you rather Robert and the moderators spend all of our time dealing with problems, or would you rather we were able to do productive things to improve the membership experience? Believe me when I tell you that you get very sick of dealing with an issue over and over again for months on end. We have discussed the issues with group purchases previously in the forums as well, you didn't get the entire story because we are not about to air dirty laundry in public. The key here is compromise and balance. Unforetunately there is no way to make everyone happy so all we can do is try our best. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

-Steve St. Laurent

I'm now closing this thread down here in the product forum and moving it over to the TDR website/Roundtable forum which is the proper place to deal with issues such as this. If you wish to comment on this please go there.


[This message has been edited by Steve St. Laurent (edited 11-08-2000). ]