P
PNewitt
Guest
I hate to interrupt the good-natured "tone" of these boards, but there are a few things I'd like to express, and to set the record straight. I see a trend here that I feel is undermining the purpose of these specific boards, about the "nuts and bolts" and history of the GT/CS. Those who come here to read the messages these days (I've seen the numbers), whether members or lurkers; must wonder: "what da heck is going on here?"
It's come to my attention (and others I've e-mailed with) that a few people wish to dominate the character of the conversations, and shoot down anyone who isn't "with it". They say that "familiarity breeds contempt", and this clique, I feel, has had a lot to do with others feeling dissappointed, or just not interested anymore to continue their legitimate conversations about the car that they love. If someone has a question about their fog lights (for instance), they might get an answer, but the conversation drifts back between the same five or so people. How does that make new people feel that have real questions? It's like coming to a party where you don't know anyone. It must be embarrassing, if not obnoxious to some of you reading these threads.
Don't get me wrong. There are some excellent folks here with great ideas. Very knowledgeable about engines, electrical, bodywork, sourcing, and even the 'net (thanks! Rich). I greatly respect and encourage those folks, and I've learned so much from them. I've made some great friendships with a few, and have attended a party that was a great personal experience.
I'm in a unique position of registrar of where I have to act as the public relations person (or as SAAC calls me "the guru") for the GT/CS, Little Red, and the Green Hornet. This is a little bit like being a celeb, where you can't really act up, or react on a more personal level. But, recently, I've been accused of "having a big ego", or arrogant, etc. by a couple of folks. This is news to me, but, since I consider the source(s), I don't really put much creedence into it.
Let me put this in perspective. I might seem to some of you that I have a strong character (at least in my internet persona), but for the members of the GT/CS Registry, I feel strongly about some things (like a CS class for MCA shows, getting the car recognized, appreciated, values, etc.). To do that, it requires what some might see as "a big ego". It's a subjective thing, and almost laughable, since those who really know me think I'm more of a big goofball (unless they're really good at lying! LOL!). My character is not what's important here. That's a personal thing, that, I feel only comes out when personalities clash in places like message boards, chat rooms, etc. (been there, done that--years ago). Ask ten people about YOUR own character, and you'll get fourteen answers). I'm not here to defend my personal character, nor do I wish to attack others. It's petty, trite, and immature; and it has nothing to do with what we're supposed to be doing here. Period.
There IS a difference between having a professional "attitude", and just being an plain 'ol egomaniac. You'll see the professional attitude in the corporate world, where things need to get done. I am a designer, so how I'm focused on realizing something creative might seem "indifferent", but it's NOT a personal thing, it's what you have to do to get your ideas through and completed. This is what I'm doing when I ask about things for the book.
What may be "too much" to one, may not be enough to another. In any case, my persona here may have been offensive to a few. For that, I am sorry. There are things that I need, and need answered for the book, that involves some tough questioning, and on the spot research--for top accurcacy. It's not like I'm taking advantage of your enthusiasm. I probably have about a hundred screen captures of messages left here, just to use for the book--along with the screen names, so I can follow up, and aknowledge those folks for the book. I go to great pains to detail out who I wish to thank for specific ideas or help. I do this because I know how important it is for you to be aknowledged, but also to appreciate your personal enthusiasm for the car. I've got hundreds of letters over the years that say "thanks, Paul, for your work on the book, etc.". How can I not honor that much appreciation?
So, I would suggest that those who wish to have daily conversations, that are off-topic, take it over to that area, or join a chat room. If you "live" on this site, want to chat, or flirt, etc.., that's fine, but don't make it appear to others that you're friendly--as long as it fit's in within your "worlds". We have to be focused on the car more, and less on personalities. Yes, I'm guilty of the chat aspect, but I now see how distracting (and time consuming) that's been.
I'll leave you with the thought that I greatly appreciate each and every one of you--and your "quest" to enjoy your GT/CS. It's your enthusuasm that got Ford to do the '07 and '08 CS. I'll work for you--in doing this book, and do the best job I can.
I'll only answer questions to owners/enthusiasts on specific threads, or through those questions sent to my private message box. I've answered about 250 messages in the past two years; many detailed and important questions. I am happy to continue that, and encourage it.
Respectfully, and with great appreciation,
(C-ya, I got a book to finish)
Paul M. Newitt
GT/CS Registrar
It's come to my attention (and others I've e-mailed with) that a few people wish to dominate the character of the conversations, and shoot down anyone who isn't "with it". They say that "familiarity breeds contempt", and this clique, I feel, has had a lot to do with others feeling dissappointed, or just not interested anymore to continue their legitimate conversations about the car that they love. If someone has a question about their fog lights (for instance), they might get an answer, but the conversation drifts back between the same five or so people. How does that make new people feel that have real questions? It's like coming to a party where you don't know anyone. It must be embarrassing, if not obnoxious to some of you reading these threads.
Don't get me wrong. There are some excellent folks here with great ideas. Very knowledgeable about engines, electrical, bodywork, sourcing, and even the 'net (thanks! Rich). I greatly respect and encourage those folks, and I've learned so much from them. I've made some great friendships with a few, and have attended a party that was a great personal experience.
I'm in a unique position of registrar of where I have to act as the public relations person (or as SAAC calls me "the guru") for the GT/CS, Little Red, and the Green Hornet. This is a little bit like being a celeb, where you can't really act up, or react on a more personal level. But, recently, I've been accused of "having a big ego", or arrogant, etc. by a couple of folks. This is news to me, but, since I consider the source(s), I don't really put much creedence into it.
Let me put this in perspective. I might seem to some of you that I have a strong character (at least in my internet persona), but for the members of the GT/CS Registry, I feel strongly about some things (like a CS class for MCA shows, getting the car recognized, appreciated, values, etc.). To do that, it requires what some might see as "a big ego". It's a subjective thing, and almost laughable, since those who really know me think I'm more of a big goofball (unless they're really good at lying! LOL!). My character is not what's important here. That's a personal thing, that, I feel only comes out when personalities clash in places like message boards, chat rooms, etc. (been there, done that--years ago). Ask ten people about YOUR own character, and you'll get fourteen answers). I'm not here to defend my personal character, nor do I wish to attack others. It's petty, trite, and immature; and it has nothing to do with what we're supposed to be doing here. Period.
There IS a difference between having a professional "attitude", and just being an plain 'ol egomaniac. You'll see the professional attitude in the corporate world, where things need to get done. I am a designer, so how I'm focused on realizing something creative might seem "indifferent", but it's NOT a personal thing, it's what you have to do to get your ideas through and completed. This is what I'm doing when I ask about things for the book.
What may be "too much" to one, may not be enough to another. In any case, my persona here may have been offensive to a few. For that, I am sorry. There are things that I need, and need answered for the book, that involves some tough questioning, and on the spot research--for top accurcacy. It's not like I'm taking advantage of your enthusiasm. I probably have about a hundred screen captures of messages left here, just to use for the book--along with the screen names, so I can follow up, and aknowledge those folks for the book. I go to great pains to detail out who I wish to thank for specific ideas or help. I do this because I know how important it is for you to be aknowledged, but also to appreciate your personal enthusiasm for the car. I've got hundreds of letters over the years that say "thanks, Paul, for your work on the book, etc.". How can I not honor that much appreciation?
So, I would suggest that those who wish to have daily conversations, that are off-topic, take it over to that area, or join a chat room. If you "live" on this site, want to chat, or flirt, etc.., that's fine, but don't make it appear to others that you're friendly--as long as it fit's in within your "worlds". We have to be focused on the car more, and less on personalities. Yes, I'm guilty of the chat aspect, but I now see how distracting (and time consuming) that's been.
I'll leave you with the thought that I greatly appreciate each and every one of you--and your "quest" to enjoy your GT/CS. It's your enthusuasm that got Ford to do the '07 and '08 CS. I'll work for you--in doing this book, and do the best job I can.
I'll only answer questions to owners/enthusiasts on specific threads, or through those questions sent to my private message box. I've answered about 250 messages in the past two years; many detailed and important questions. I am happy to continue that, and encourage it.
Respectfully, and with great appreciation,
(C-ya, I got a book to finish)
Paul M. Newitt
GT/CS Registrar
