I'll throw in my six or se
I'll throw in my six or seven cents.
I'll tell you what I find funny about the other forum. In the beginning when F-Talk was started there was a big deal about how heavily moderated it was when the posts being deleted were from trolls from FC. They went as far as calling JR Hitler and Napoleon Vallandingham. Regrettable behavior on their part if you ask me. JR lashed out at times and was shunned for it. Now that things are waaaay out of hand in FC, they are talking moderation and I've seen many posts in which one's ideas are ridiculed. Of course, now most agree, and support moderation. One should do a search on the archives when moderation came up. JR was ridiculed in those posts and fighting ensued. Funny how the site admin still pins all the site's problems on JR when it is plain and clear that his abrasive behavior and caustic remarks that set the precedent for rubbish. Interestingly enough, if I recall the Ferrari forum history (
![]()
) correctly JR started this site at the request of a publisher who wanted him to write a book. Ego would have it that the site admin thought of it as a direct threat to him.
I like this forum because it is based on a mutual respect and there is very little ego no matter what others may say. It is an information sharing community and we see each others as peers. If anything, those with more know-how put forth an effort to raise the unwashed masses (me, for one) to their level. As said before in praise of this community, there is tons of information here that is to the point where putting a dollar figure on it is very difficult nigh impossible.
The other site is driven by witty remarks which can admittedly be funny in the beginning but gets old very fast. Insult is the norm and because of loose moderation things get out of control to the point of factioning the readership/contributors. Egos run wild and hiding behind the "enthusiast" platform is painful to see since I consider myself one. Peer pressure abounds as witnessed by the countless of duplicate users, and it is just not a very supportive enthusiast site. Anything non Ferrari has been bashed to little bits until key members vouch for a car or until the good members (yes there are a bunch of those) realize what is being said or what they are saying themselves. Post count is king, but one should expect that given what they are charging for advertising. Funny thing is that just about all who know about this other site, know about F-Talk and I would not be surprised at the least if they frequent the site while not contributing (which is OK). Also, all posts turn into Lamborghini vs. Ferrari or get twisted into fights. Read one post and you've just about read them all. What color is you best and what wax is best is a routine question to be expected numerous times.
As for their tech section, it is weak at best. I stopped visiting because it gave me a headhache. They boast 30 posts on one thread. But the reality is 30 posts all suggesting different tactics of which none work or maybe one or two may be useful. Sifting through that is not worth it. Like throwing darts in the dark. This tech section with the help of the local (non geographically speaking, of course) experts seems to have a lot more unanimous and spot on advice. I thought the batteries on 360s were gel from the factory based on what an "owner" on the other site said. Surprise of all surprises when I saw with my own eyes how the factory battery was not. This is minor stuff. Now imagine something where your safety can be seriously jeopardized. No thanks.
Their advertisers are not screened the way they are here and negative feedback of potential advertisers or current advertisers is not taken to heart the way it is here. I've had poor experiences with an advertiser and so have some of my friends. Support from the site admin is nil. Negative comments are heavily discouraged. I find their form of moderation (via intimidation and ridicule) far worst than simply removing a post.
Phew. Done venting. Can't say I got very much out of that site with the exception of a few really good guys I met. These few have made the nuisance and ridicule worth it, so it is not a complete loss, but I must admit I met these few early on when the site still had potential. I did also meet some folks in person recently and that has been hit or miss, but again, the ones who are worth it are well well worth it.
Cheers
