I've only got on forums before this one to get a question answered and then disappeared. I was told when I bought my 07 early last year that this was a great forum and so I joined up. This forum is different and it is mostly positively different for me. I have been frustrated a few times with the search ability inside, but it really does work just fine searching from the outside through google as suggested in the notes. I've never got chastised for any posts but have been afraid of asking a question at times after seeing the intense criticism. I've even had my feelings hurt a couple times when I took things personally that probably weren't even directed at me. Still I wonder if the admins and the zealous post police "scolders?" are a part of what keeps this forum a bit higher knowledge level and thus more dependable.
On the other hand, I am an IT guy who likes to read the instructions and thinks about how users respond to documentation. I know in my real world experience if I was to have the level of expectation of my users that the forum has for new posters, I'd probably not still have my job because I don't only work with engineers. Real people just don't read instructions or remember the rules.
Anyway, I love this forum and have stayed with it for several reasons. First, even though I've ridden most of my life, I had never learned all that much about my bikes and this forum has changed what I wear, how I ride, what I add to my bikes, and what mechanical work I am willing to do. I've got lots of learning still to do. Second, I love reading trip reports with great pics by people like Georgia Roller, and great stories from folks like Gary. I even get brave enough to post my trip reports and it makes me take more pictures thinking of what the forum might want to see in a report. Third, the advice on roads is invaluable. Lastly, you guys are the weirdest goofballs. It's like having a bunch of weird uncles that you are sort of ashamed of, but you always look forward to seeing them to hear what they are going to say. Sometimes it's like watching SouthPark - I'm offended but can't turn it off cause I'm laughing.
God bless all you idiots, admins, scolders, and newbies. I've appreciated it all.
Paul