quote:
Originally posted by 1Rocketship:
... I just want to say...I REALLY LIKE this website ...
Mikael I appreciated the effort put into your original post. I realize your topic was taken way off-track about page 4, but I was cautious in deciding how to precede. I didn't want to stop it as long as everyone was communicating respectfully, it seemed members needed to get some stuff off their chests. Group therapy?
When I attend Pantera events, there are always guys on both sides of the table present, it seems we're able to enjoy each other's company, eat a meal together, and have a few drinks together. We can behave cordially like that here (virtual reality) in the forums as well. There must not be two factions within our hobby, i.e. the "show room stock" faction verses the "modified" faction. Please lets all work to prevent that type of divisiveness from entering our hobby. Statistically the preferences of the vast majority of owners fall somewhere between the extremes of showroom stock cars and highly personalized/customized cars. However a person chooses to experience De Tomaso ownership matters not, the bottom line is we are all De Tomaso enthusiasts. We should respect each other, and include each other in this hobby. Nobody should feel excluded. Please let that be the goal of each and every one of us.
For most people ownership of a De Tomaso automobile is the fulfillment of a dream, each person's dream should be allowed to unfold as they have imagined it. We have come together here in these forums to keep these cars on the road and to keep those dreams alive.
There was a time when the guys who prefer showroom original cars were silenced in these forums, they were too discouraged, or too afraid, to contribute to the forums. Its is no longer that way, and I hope you guys who prefer customizing your cars understand you must not defend your position so strongly that you again silence the guys who prefer originality. My feelings and opinions are irrelevant, I am equally protective of the rights of those who prefer showroom stock, those who prefer customization and everyone in between. These forums exist for the benefit of all De Tomaso owners and enthusiasts. Everyone should feel welcome to contribute without fear of public attack (which is referred to as flaming).
When members express themselves disrespectfully, that's when I have to step in. I know moderation upsets some people, please understand its never the ideas I'm trying to suppress, its the manner in which people are communicating them. These forums are read by a bunch of people, its a resource for a wide variety of people all over the world. Debbie and I do the best we can to provide the best resource possible for all of us.
When members can express differing opinions in an adult way (without disrespecting those having opposing opinions), its very very cool. I appreciate the effort and attitude put into that sort of communication. I'm proud of everyone for keeping their posts civil! Thank You. It is the high point of these forums.