Strong Opinions

[PetrolDave]

I've been a member here since early 2006, before I collected my RS4.

And until 2010 I've been happy to take part in the debates here on all sorts of ownership related issues, since they have been conducted with passion and emotion but always with good grace. And we have IIRC always reached a consensus opinion - remember the DRC debate?

That's all changed this year, with emotions running high and an amazing unwillingness to accept that other people can hold a different point of view. This place has become like the "Climate Change" issue - debate is unwanted, unwelcome and those who debate are attacked personally.

This has become IMHO a bad place, and TBH I'm seriously considering not bothering to visit here any more.

Anyone else feel the same?

[Sims]

I've been a member here since early 2006, before I collected my RS4.

And until 2010 I've been happy to take part in the debates here on all sorts of ownership related issues, since they have been conducted with passion and emotion but always with good grace. And we have IIRC always reached a consensus opinion - remember the DRC debate?

That's all changed this year, with emotions running high and an amazing unwillingness to accept that other people can hold a different point of view. This place has become like the "Climate Change" issue - debate is unwanted, unwelcome and those who debate are attacked personally.

This has become IMHO a bad place, and TBH I'm seriously considering not bothering to visit here any more.

Anyone else feel the same?

You make excellent points. I have been personally attacked by more than one on the carbon build up issue, and none of the long standing members here said anything to the culprits.

And yet that issue is the 2nd most important after the DRC issue. And it has almost become a taboo issue here, whereas a debate should be encouraged. Some on here mistakenly think the value of their RS4 will be affected. Others seem want to defend Audi regardless.

Right now I am trying to get a campaign together to get better warranty prices for S4 & 6 and RS4 & 6 owners. Very little uptake on that so issue because some on here may think we are criticising Audi. We are not, we are trying to stay within the Audi umbrella.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Dave, I too have been a member here for ages (since 2004) - and to be honest, I too back then felt "hostilities", hence why I bogged off for ages.

I personally don't mind heathy debates - even if it gets heated, and even no 'concensus' is agreed. I just think those few posters who like to either 'gang up' on those posters who don't conform to their own opinionated point of view (weather right or wrong) - and those who get insist on personal attacks should maybe have their proverbial wings clipped. Afterall, we are all hear for the same reason - the passion for fast Audis.

I hope you stick with it Dave, becuause whenever I've come across your posts (either here, or on the other forums) I've personally valued your input.

[PetrolDave]

Debate requires a willingness to accept conflicting opinions, and IMHO that willingness is no longer present here.

Debate has at least two sides, not one...

Some of us have extensive experience in the design and manufacture of cars - there should be more willingness to listen to that experience.

[Sims]

... Afterall, we are all here for the same reason - the passion for fast Audis.
.

Let's work together guys. And no personal insults, please.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

There seems to be a distinct lack of moderators on this forum - maybe time to appoint some new ones?

[scottie1979]

I would agree with all comments posted above. Im coming at it from a different angle - i dont post as much as i would like because i just cant be bothered with the potential stupid comments and insults. While im an engineer im not experienced with car mechanics so i value the knowledge, insight and experience some members on here give - if they were to disappear i have no reason to stay either.
Unfortunately it appears to be the same across most forums.

[HYFR]

i've become become bored with this forum, although its a great source of knowledge, i find too many people take themselves and things too seriously...its an internet forum after all...i come on here for some light entertainment with like minded people...for this purpose SRS is a better fit, but not too many B7 people on there

agree with your observations Dave, hence my sig....

[northernpar]

I have only been a member for around a year or so since buying the car but can remember getting a short-shrift response to one of my first posts when entering a debate - along the lines of 'you're new so what do you know?'. Since then there has been a distinct downward trend in terms of forum conduct which IMHO isn't healthy and I have at times considered bugging out. However, there are some genuinely knowledgable folks on here who share the same enthusiasm and joy from owning this car as I do and who can and have provided me with insight and technical knowledge on this particular vehicle and automotives in general.

Debate is healthy and I'm all for it but it does seem that certain issues have become personal crusades and hence agree with Dave's 'Climate Change Argument' mentality that has seeped in. Some people just need to accept that it's ok for others to disagree with them regardless of whether they are right or wrong.

Agree on the mods point, some more should be approved to restore some order when things deteriorate to personal insults and slanging matches.

Apathy rules!!!

[P_G]

Dave, I would hope that you will reconsider not posting on RS246 as your contribution has been invaluable and I enjoy conversing in threads with you.

As to standards, it appears from reading most of the threads that content and topic of discussion is not at fault but delivery of opinion and for some, a readiness to wage full on written assualt based on their interpretation of what has been said rather than trying to understand or investigating what the poster was trying to say. Written communication, particularly electronic / E-mail format is attributable for the single biggest cause of misinterpretation of intent, emotion and leads to dispute in today's society.

I realise that there are some experts in their various fields on here and people far more engineering qualified than I ever will be but expertise does not substitute manners or professional courtesy and in a lot of cases here it does and for me dilutes my current enjoyment of this forum.

Fortunately; technically this forum far excels any other I have visted or posted on.

[HYFR]

^^^ +1

[Outtlaw]

It will be very sad indeed if people like Petroldave and others decide to leave this forum. Peter

[approved]

forums ebb and flow..someones got your goat, dont worry about it.

i come here to discuss/research rs4.

full of knowledgable people for sure, but it has no soul.

the craic is few and far between, if at all, and a few too mnay anoraks for me, but hey, i like the place.

i chip in where i can, and if i've got anything usefull to add, i try.

[HYFR]

its all good banter

[ArthurPE]

I feel the same, and I share part of the blame...

try as I may, some members who do not like the debate, and the technical arguements resort to demeaning the person delivering same...when you can't respond with logic...insult...and I lower myself to their level, not proud of it, only human (barely if you ask my wife )

I for one always enjoy your contributions, we may not always agree, but I respect you enough that it gives me pause to reconsider my position at times...

a short break is a good thing sometimes, but you would be sorely missed around here, so don't make it too long, please

and oh yea...pray for rain in Malaysia!!!!

I've been a member here since early 2006, before I collected my RS4.

And until 2010 I've been happy to take part in the debates here on all sorts of ownership related issues, since they have been conducted with passion and emotion but always with good grace. And we have IIRC always reached a consensus opinion - remember the DRC debate?

That's all changed this year, with emotions running high and an amazing unwillingness to accept that other people can hold a different point of view. This place has become like the "Climate Change" issue - debate is unwanted, unwelcome and those who debate are attacked personally.

This has become IMHO a bad place, and TBH I'm seriously considering not bothering to visit here any more.

Anyone else feel the same?