Hi Everyone,
Recently I asked a question here regarding somewhat of an off topic subject. My inquiry was to learn of a site I could go to for some answers about a 49 Chevy truck I acquired along wlith my 53 Ford F-100. Several guys told me to try the Stovebolt forum. A week or so ago I got around to doing that. Of course in order to post you gotta join, so I did.

I admit that I am not a Chevy guy and probably never will be. That said, let me also make it clear that I don't waste time and energy debating or claiming one is better than another. I'm a live and let live guy and I think everyone should stick with what they like. And before someone asks, I have owned and worked on several types of Chevrolet products ranging from a two ton dump to a 69 Camaro SS-350 and a 57 Belaire. I think I have had enough experience with Chevys to make my own preferential decisions.

All above said, I'd like to make a point from my observations of and brief participation in the above mentioned forum. The place ain't that much fun. It was sort of like going to a dance where all the regulars were wearing iron pants. I'm pretty sure I have had more fun at funerals. There is definitely a lack of humor and wit over there. One of the first things I noticed about the FTE forums was clever and wity stuff that you find in almost every post as well as an understanding of people who are new and are asking what may well seem to some as no-brainers. I am also impressed by the way some guys can be funny and still seriously answer a question. Over there they seem to think that you should already know the answer and you shouldn't be bothering them with it.

I gotta tell you, they probably helped me decide not to do anything with that truck and try even more to sell it.

This forum has all the right stuff. Rock on FTE !!!

 

I've been a member of this site since before this board was started, I used to get the digest emails. I have found this is the place to go for answers related to Ford trucks. I have not found any other that is better.

Another site I also go to, and find very helpful, is the Ford Barn. They aren't as easy going and fun as the guys here but there are some really knowledgeable flathead experts over there, guys who worked on them when they were new.

The HAMB board, although I find is loaded with some really knowledgeable people when it comes to hotrods, is a hostile place to post. I have never joined, or posted anything there, but just from lurking, I have found the members very unforgiving and down right mean, I don't need that.

Long live FTE!

 

Dave,
I am also a member over at the stovebolt page, although I don't frequent it too often anymore since I have sold my old Chevy. I did find some nice and knowledgable people but like you observed it doesn't seem to have the friendly family feeling that FTE has.
There are some other boards I mess around with now and again but not very often.

I prefere to spend my time around here, getting my questions answered, trying to answer others, spewing out opinions, and in general being a smart-alek

Woohooo
Bobby

 

Ah gee Dave we're just one big Family here.

Group Hug Time!!

Ah, would somone please remove your hand fro---, Thank You.

 

all warm and fuzzy

 

I think I'm gonna cry.

I have belonged to several forums related to various cars and a motorcycle I used to own. It seems that every forum has its arrogant jerk who happens to know-it-all, and everyone else kisses his butt because he knows-it-all.

But not here. Guys here always extend a warm greeting to the new guy, you encourage ideas, compliment where it's due, and give constructive criticism where needed.

You guys are great! I think I'll be here for a long while. (Sniff) Gotta... (sniff, sniff) ...go now.

 

Hey Dave-

Glad you like it here and I'll have to agree that other forums I belong to or frequent are not as friendly or helpful as FTE. Since I am a lover of all trucks (my daily driver is a 49 Ch++y) and I'm slowly building a 56 F100 I try to find other sites that may also help. None seem to have the activity of FTE. If I can help with the 49 Ch++y let me know. Larry

 

Well Dave, I'm one of the old oldtimers and as Dick pointed out... it's family.

This is about the only truck/hotrod board I use. I've belonged to others and most give me the feeling "if you ain't in the clique, you're just a bother" As for the HAMB --- some very knowledgable folks and I've gleened a wealth of knowlege over there... but you better wear your asbestos underwear... slip up and they will burn your butt. It is as hostle as Bob says. They have an attitude as large as their knowledge base.

One thing this group recognizes is that everyone of us was a rookie/beginner at one time and appreciated all the help they got no matter where it came from. The mentoring attitude has been a part of this board since the email days and that is one of the main reasons it is so special. Disregarding all the 'personality' here... this forum is unique.

Hope you get as much from it as I have over the last 11 years. Yes Dick, I've been working on my truck for 11 years !!!

later
John

 

AMEN This place is the greatest!! I too have "cheated" on you guys with other forums, but NONE are as friendly as this place or as witty! My wife says I'm addicted. She says she's goin to check me into the "Henry Ford Clinic" I try to help out when I can and STAY out of the way when I dont know anything about the subject. You guys are the best

 

When Internet Exporer loads, FTE is my homepage. Nuff sed.

 

Like others have said, I prefer to hang out here. I have checked out H.A.M.B. and a couple others, but FTE is home.

I like the razzing and the great info and encouragement found here.

We got some good folks.

 

I spoke with a fellow FTE'er from Indiana on the fone last night and he mentioned that he got chewed up on the H.A.M.B. talking about his hydrogen powered motor...

 

This is by far the most friendly forum I have ever found. When I needed info on my Mercedes, I joined mercedesshop.com and found a wealth of knowlege, but a bunch of purists who think that it is a sin to use any product that isn't MB badged, even anti-freeze! You should have seen the comotion when I posted pics of my MB diesel powered 53 F100 over there. I have lurked over at the HAMB, but have never been brave enough to post there, there are a bunch of jerks that hang out there.

 

When I started this thread I was sort of testing to see if I was looking at things with some sort of subliminal prejudice or my senses were right on. After reading today's responses I see I wasn't the only one who got the same impression. There wasn't any welcome to the new guy stuff. I got the impression that I was sort of a bother to them. It was if they were implying that I should know better than to ask such a simple question. If that is the feeling, they can rest assured I won't be bothering them again.

Someone mention a clique, I think they hit the nail on the head with that one.

FTE rules...

 

That one wasn't pretty.
I also notice that about 3/4 of the posters are the Teenies that hang out there. After five years of following along over there I've figured out how to tell who knows and who no's.