Reply to "Rules for pictures?"

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your Diplomatic response. Perhaps someday we can meet and shake hands, and eliminate the impersonal effect of the internet. We all have a common bond and share a common interest, despite unique differences we all have. I chose to tackle this issue with you in a direct way, and your response is a fine example of integrity and influential display of character. Leadership by example, is your chosen way of handling the issue. Remarkable, Mark. Impressed to see you took the high road. Please see it as an opportunity to clear the air, and make things better, which you have done.

I too get “complaints” from people directly, who tell me, for example, it’s ‘highly illegal’ to have custom seatbelts made, in their hush-hush way, directly to my e-mail. So, in response, I tell them it’s not illegal, and show them an ‘internet store’ which will sell them any combination of seat belt webbing, seat belt buckles and seat belt attaching devices. I ask them, now it’s your turn, prove to me these vendors are committing illegal acts. Call the FBI or Attorney General if you want. I never hear back from them. I got scoldings in the past and it didn’t let up, from one unnamed PIBB contributor, and it got to the point where I flat out told him if he tries to control me any more, then I’ll get the District Attorney in his City, County and State involved in the matter. He got my message, and decided not to test me any more. I met him at the Vegas Track Event and we both laughed about it. It would not be a laughing matter if somebody decided to try and control me. I am not alone in my resolve to never be “dominated and controlled” by some one who may have succeeded in doing that in the past to some one else. So, I have a fairly good idea who is, or at least the type of people, who are sending the e-mails, trying to exercise their control, in a sneaky way. Feel free to publish these e-mails right here on this public forum, and let’s put their character to the test, in the light of day, for all to see. Control Freaks, beware!

With ego cars go ego personalities. With incomes providing the ability to pay for ego cars, come techniques people employ to boost their own egos. Such ego ‘self massaging’ is devoid of the best human traits of empathy, cooperation, volunteering, and assisting. And we all get tired of it, for it is readily transparent. But it is self destructive behavior, this serious quest to massage one’s own ego, even at other’s expense.

I have received e-mails from many other people who say they deplore some of the folks who engage in the juvenile behavior of ridicule, which sometimes occurs on the PIBB. Dave Adler, a couple of years ago, sent me an e-mail saying to ignore them, there will always be a few undesirable people like that on this and other bulletin boards, and please continue contributing. I choose to heed his advice and attempt to assist when I can, or sometimes, just tell a story of human interest or discuss a project. I think it’s fun and worthwhile, despite the e-hate-mail.

This much I know for sure. It’s hard enough to control one’s own destiny in life, and it is equally impossible to control others.

On a positive note here....

May I make a request? Will you become more of an active participant in this BB? Maybe wear two hats at the same time? Like, can you be the Moderator, and just one of the guys, who once in a while offers tips to those of us seeking help.

May I make another observation, and request, please?

It’s my observation that there are multitudes of personalities in this world, and a few of us are actually quiet, studious folks, who may have quite extensive knowledge, yet have the attribute of ‘being shy’. With this observation, the request is to encourage the participation of these ‘quiet folks’. It may require defending them from the bullies who sometimes lurk out (t)here on the internet. But it’s my theory that we may be missing some valuable learning opportunities. And entertaining stories.

One last request....

Can you attempt to persuade Jerry at PI Motorsports to jump right in here and maybe talk about a few of his Pantera restoration projects, or offer a few replies to the more difficult questions on the Technical Advice Forum? I think it would be an extremely valuable marketing tool, and generate tremendous good will, and I believe he has some truly remarkable and interesting things to say, which will be of keen interest to all of us, if we can get him to set aside a few minutes once in a while. There will be a nice return on investment, for any efforts made, I’ll bet.

Let’s encourage other continue to inspire us, eh? OK, let’s get some honest, I want to hear Jerry and Dave BRAG about themselves, as I perceive untapped inspiration and resources are just within inches of their keyboards, almost ready to jump right in here and do a little talking about some subjects we have curiosity about. There are some folks who are completely uninhibited about doing that. Good ‘talking’ to you.


Best regards Mark
your Amigo,

Ron Norman

ps. You can call anytime, I’d be delighted to receive a call from you. My number is in the POCA Directory and in the local phone book, home or work, your preference.