balunr said:
I am among the lame. This is my first mustang, and I'm also a newbie at modding - and I can't really decide if there's much I want to change yet
So I lurk and learn what I can without asking stupid newb questions...
This comment right here makes me happy, yet a little sad.
As a multiple Mustang owner over the years, I know that I would not have learned as much as I have about the Mustang, if I had not lurked and learned. If you can bob and weave through the muck, you can nearly always go away from here with some good ideas or technical tid-bits about your car.
The thing that makes me sad is that by not asking "stupid" newbie questions, you may miss something or not obtain a full answer to a question. I do not know if this is a personal preference or if it is because of a fear of consequence associated with someone making you feel stupid for not knowing everything.
If you do not know the answer, and have taken some proactive steps to locate what you need and are still unsuccessful, ask. If another member munches a comment your way, I always recommend to ignore them first, if they continue, report them to one of the Mods using the report post button and we will handle it. We prefer our members use a little common sense and self-moderating when interacting. Yes, even some of the "arguments" around here have yielded some beautiful idea exchanges and eventual resolution. It's much more difficult in an e-community to express emotions, tones and intents. Sometimes allowing it to run its course is an acceptable alternative.
The over-aggressive shoving of individual opinions down throats gets frustrating. I usually get double my fill since I am carrying the Woman Token and therefore, must know very little about cars.
I persist with patience, dignity and respect (even when it is not shown towards me) and nearly 90% of the time, I prove my point. Nothing is more sweet then having someone who exudes dislike and discourse for you become one of your greatest supporters.
A lady friend said to me years ago "Seek to Understand, not to be Understood." I live by this simple principle. It makes my life here a lot easier. I may not agree with someone's comment, preferences in vehicles or modifications or the color of their hair, but these are all individual aspects that makes them unique and I am not about to break someone or force my opinion down their throat.
I am here to talk with my fellas and the folks about all things Mustang.
But, on a larger scale, I am here to make the world a little better place than how I found it, and my car has little to do with that!