A notice to "Newbeys"

[len19070]

First off thank you all for joining the fold.

Everyone here is willing to help BUT..I/we are Not like a "Diner" you don't just walk in, place an order and get a result.

If you ask a member for some information in a PM...In my opinion,

First introduce yourself, let us know what stage of building your at and where your located. Many of us have worked several years to perfect building methods and don't like flipping them over to Phantoms.

Not that these are Capital Secrets but for gosh sakes just be a little Polite.

A PM to me like.

Send me plans for your "Pac-Man" (or any other trailer) no name, location and he just joined 2 days before.

Will get little or no response. Until you introduce yourself.

Manners, we learned them early and they still are appreciated.

Happy Trails

Len

[rmef27]

dang it there goes my plan...lol j/k

[len19070]

No, its just a question of manners.

I.e. Hi, my name is Bob I live in Colorado just got on to the site, new to this and would like to see plans for your trailer.

Thanks in advance.

As opposed to "send me plans" axz719lux

[Fyddler]

I'm trying!

Hi! My name is Allen, I live in Port Orchard, WA, and I'm newly addicted to tears...

You can see my progress in my build log (in signature). Quick/budget build modified Campster 12 (modified on a daily basis). I do feel guilty asking so many questions, but have very little to offer at this point.

I really do appreciate everyone's input so far, and hope I can help out someone in the future with what I am learning along the way. Sometimes I feel like I am a bit of an outsider, and don't always feel comfortable participating in the general chit chat.

I am so thankful for such a wealth of information.

Allen
AKA 'Fyddler'

[Gage]

And I get my butt jumped on when I tell a newbie that they could at least say hi.
Good luck with this post/thread Len.

[GerryS]

Agree. My response is send me a check for $2500 a d ill be happy to send you my plans

Our little guild is made up of some fine folks....just play nice, there is a wealth of knowledge you just have to ask nicely.

Mike, is this that much of a problem? I use the same software for a forum I run...if this is a big issue, P!s can me disabled until "x" posts, and initial posts can require moderation approval before they are visible. I havnt personally been affected by this phenomenon, but if it is wide spread it can be mitigated...

[Roo Dog]

Len,

Interesting topic especially being a newbie myself or close enough, still feeling my way on this forum.
I can see how a newbie could be daunted by the post count and experience of some members, posts in the thousands, and as a result they may possibly just blurt out their intro and wants such as they are. Some people can be about as subtle as a train smash without being aware of it.
Maybe they should be given the benefit of the doubt but no info given in reply to their blunt intro, rather a friendly request for more info about themselves from the first responders. If this is not forthcoming you know where you stand.
Just some thoughts.
No complaints from me, I was made most welcome.

Take it easy.

RD

[Shadow Catcher]

I am very laid back when it comes to questions from new folks. I am a bit frustrated that we keep getting "the same questions" from those who could find it here. I am also mindful that this is actually one of the better organized RV forums and relatively easy to find material compared to most. My personal feeling is that if you are not used to forums in general and or are familiar with forums that are a real pain to try and navigate or are just plain lazy (and some of this may be lack of time to search) you may well ask a question answered multiple times in the past. I have a folder on my desktop with stock answers for questions on the iRV2 forum. The folks there are way more clueless as to how to find and fix their rolling behemoths and the most common problems seem to be electrical. I can not say how many times I have said "a VOM is your friend, you start where you do have voltage and follow until you do not, your problem is between where you do and where you do not".

[doug hodder]

I understand exactly how Len feels. I often get asked questions, put together a well thought out answer and then never get a thanks in return, they won't get anything out of me in the future. When asked for plans, I just reply that they are all in my head and I don't put things/dimensions down on paper.

At times the search function isn't the best for locating what you want as it doesn't always provide the "instant" results many seek, but it's what we have. Spend the time looking and do some thinking for yourselves. Someone has thought out the solution previously, you can as well and you may have a better solution. Doug

[alaska teardrop]

dang len thats is sick alright. the crap gets worse all the time doesn't it! its about as bad on the forum ask a question or open your mouth and get shitted all over!

hang in there buddy and if they are pming you beening jerks than just hold out.

I am like you len. you dont' have to give your plans to any body you don't want to or who demands them?

if its a freind on here like the folks that donated to set up walk the winds this year or the folks that have lent me a hand this last year. thats diffrent.

but someone you don't know from adam that is being rude?

yea. rude pms would just get no response from me either.
STICK TO YOUR GUNS LEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slowcowboy, Since you're getting so many requests for your trailer plans from new members, instead of yelling & cussing about it, why not send them you're bank account numbers for direct deposit. I'm sure that they would pay $500. or more for plans & advice from such a sage, articulate & experienced teardrop builder such as yourself.

[robfisher]

Hi, My name is Rob and I'm a tearaholic.

Now that that's out of the way can I have your plans?

[Desert-rat]

ugh really? as a younger person (ok almost 30 but whos counting right?) I wonder just what went wrong with some of my generation and those behind me... but

Hi i'm Desert-rat and looking at what you wonderful and creative persons have built and shared I think I will do just fine with my own plans...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5tZMDBXTRQ

[PubUltraStar]

I'm relatively new here, and have started my own build. As someone who works in Technology and visits and moderates different forums, I understand how easy it is to get frustrated at people who do not take the time to search. That being said, I've been on this forum since last summer and am still gleaning information. I definitely appreciate the amount of effort that goes into answering questions by users of this site. Everyone's build is a bit different, and I'm sure that a majority of folks have "borrowed" ideas from other users. My approach was simple. Lurk, read, introduce, contribute, donate to the forum, and maybe offer a trade. I was given the vector files for the teardrop build I wanted to replicate, and in return, I cut the vinyl decals for that users' teardrop. Fair trade as it saved me a ton of time, and didn't really cost me much besides my time, vinyl, and shipping. My advice to new users would be to ask politely, and after searching the forums extensively, see if you can offer something to the group. That could be links to new products, or just ideas. Forums are successfully when there is participation from all users. I can tell you that based upon what I see, that I have very different personal views from some of the people on this forum, but have teardrops in common, so as far as the internet is concerned, we're all best friends.

Thanks to all of the users who actively make building a custom trailer easier. Much appreciated. Now, gimme your plans!

Mike.

[len19070]

Please, I'm not trying to come off like some Hard a$$ who thinks that I hold some State Secrets or anything.

But I like to think that my good habits from my real world carry over to my internet world.

When I approach a total stranger and ask him/her for some information, an item or a favor...I introduce myself, start a little Chit-Chat and say the Magic Words....Please and Thank you.

A "gi'me this" approach is just Rude!

I'll willingly share anything with anybody, and be happy to do it...but just be a little polite.

We all learned this in Kindergarten.

Happy Trails

Len

[Oldragbaggers]

I'm relatively new here, and have started my own build. As someone who works in Technology and visits and moderates different forums, I understand how easy it is to get frustrated at people who do not take the time to search. That being said, I've been on this forum since last summer and am still gleaning information. I definitely appreciate the amount of effort that goes into answering questions by users of this site. Everyone's build is a bit different, and I'm sure that a majority of folks have "borrowed" ideas from other users. My approach was simple. Lurk, read, introduce, contribute, donate to the forum, and maybe offer a trade. I was given the vector files for the teardrop build I wanted to replicate, and in return, I cut the vinyl decals for that users' teardrop. Fair trade as it saved me a ton of time, and didn't really cost me much besides my time, vinyl, and shipping. My advice to new users would be to ask politely, and after searching the forums extensively, see if you can offer something to the group. That could be links to new products, or just ideas. Forums are successfully when there is participation from all users. I can tell you that based upon what I see, that I have very different personal views from some of the people on this forum, but have teardrops in common, so as far as the internet is concerned, we're all best friends.

Thanks to all of the users who actively make building a custom trailer easier. Much appreciated. Now, gimme your plans!

Mike.

Very nice post, Mike. Very constructive and well put. I especially like your comment about having different views on some things, but teardrops in common. That's a point we would all do well to focus more on.

Thank you for being a contributing member of the forum. That's what makes this forum work!!