I guess I think people should use the search function, a lot of the questions can be found. But there are a lot of people that can't use it well. I also think that enthusiasts of these trucks are of a certain age, and computers can be a little tough for them. But I also think people should be tolerate to newbs and such, it's how forums grow.

 

Kevin.

 

... 2x on the rant. Why do ya think I created the tech info hyperlink sticky ???!!!! 'got tired of finding/posting the same links over and over again.

I definitely think we have to deal with the generational gaps and transitions btwn Baby Boomers, Xers, Gen Y, and the Millenials and how they (we) interact on FTE.

Here's my take:

Boomers are old school and know how to look for a book in the library, learn by hands on experience, tune and rebuild a carb, and know about the Dewey Decimal System. Old iron is like a comfortable pair of shoes. They are bothered by sensors, ECUs, and ABS brakes.

Gen Xers are a hybrid. They are like the Boomers but crossed over into the Internet age. They can research, use key words, can joke about DOS prompts, and were early in the EFI era. They are typically adept at using the Information SuperHighway.

Gen Y and Millenials have always had the Internet and don't appear to have patience. They have no clue about the Dewey Decimal System and probably don't understand it when they are told to "dial" a phone number. "Huh? Dial? WTF does that mean?"

They demand and expect information instantaneously as if pressing a button. Search function? Ha! They'll post a redundant question simply because they know someone will answer. With very few exceptions, troubleshooting skills and deductive reasoning is usually weak and their first step in their troubleshooting is to post the symptoms and then ask on FTE what it could be. I like to ask them "What troubleshooting have you done before posting?" It sometimes sounds kind of mean but my expectation is that they have some skin in the game.

...don't get me started on posts with run-on sentences and lack of punctuation. To me, it's disrespectful to treat the forum and its members with what seems like text messages.

That's my nickel... ~HIO Silver! Away!!!

 

That does drive me crazy, there are times I can't even figure out what people are asking.

 

OUTSTANDING job putting that into words,,, and that is 95% accurate,, and as stated,, very few exceptions,,, Good Job HIO!
And times 200 on the NO PUNCTUATION, incorrect spelling and plain LAZINESS on the text posters!

 

Very good Hio Silver, I think you hit it right on head.

Not to start another fight but I would be interested in knowing how accurate that is.

I am 45, I know what life was like without the WWW but I sure rely on it now. I don't need it today but I won't wait a week either. Give me a tool and let me fix it, if I get stumped I will read the directions.

I have a lot of young men (boys) working for me and I have two sons of my own and they have no idea how to trouble shoot a problem. I'm not saying they are all like that but it is a majority. They have no interest in doing it.

How about you, and be honest.

 

Thanks guys... I'm a Gen X (46).. and a USN aviation electronics tech by experience, a mechanical engineer by association, city planner by trade, a gearhead by hobby, but took tons of psychology and sociology courses. Individual and societal behavior is fascinating and frustrating.

Here's a saying that holds true:

"Feed a man a fish and he'll eat for a day.
Teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime."

The prevailing trend in today's society is to feed.... unfortunately, spoonfeed.

 

Rant all you want but stickies hardly if ever work. They become either way to old, to cluttered, take up so much space, or are hard to navigate, or people just ignore them etc etc.

It doesn't matter if its trucks or whatever else, stickies just dont always work unless it's an incredibly broad subject that applies to everyone. Like "how to identify your transmission" or something. And we already have a technical section.

 

Those are my observations of us carbon-based biological units called "humans".

And I'm all about maintaining relevance and just updated the techno hyperlink compilation sticky. You're welcome.

 

...don't get me started on posts with run-on sentences and lack of punctuation............ you must have caught me dag nabbit.... i'm sorry sometimes i get wrapped up by what i am writing, and i don't wanna lose my train of thought, so i continue typing away like this until i get what need's to be said out and then i go back in and separate whats needed. my pet peeve is not the punctuation and run-on sentences but misspelled words......... and some people don't like my little period lines........like these...... but i use them to separate different thought's and to get to the point sorry if they offend anyone

 

They offend everyone!

 

So I'm a Hybrid of a Hybrid. Kinda of a Boomoxy.......Yes, iron is comfortable but without the net, I'd have no hands on experiance because of the plethra of info which is why I have to have the answer now because my hands are full of parts. I research my *** off but eventually have to stop and get my answer to my issue.

I'm 37 with a background in master mechanics from the old guys down at the shop and the internet.

I iz special!!

 

Most of the people who ask redundant questions are new to the site and don't know enough to use the advanced search function. Just let them ask their questions and either:

A) Answer them and help the OP out.

Or

B) Ignore it

Who cares if you have to look at a couple questions that have been asked. Scroll down with your little computer mouse and move on.

 

My truck is missing and making funny noises I looked and the spark plug wires fell off what should I do? can someone help!

But hay at least there keeping the hobby alive.

 

Hello "Rich" with the 7.3IDI Diesel I doubt you have "spark" plus wires.....got ya, lol

It must be from something that the installer of the DIESEL failed to clean up and tie off.

Got ya again? Are you a "coal roller"? That's so dang funny, NOT.

It the noise a bang, pop or a rattle, we need more if a definitive description.