Dorkiphus Downtime - Feedback/Suggestions Welcome
 

I'm sure most of you noticed the board was down over the weekend. Downtime was partially due to some needed pre-spring cleanup activities and also to take some time to reflect upon what Dorkiphus is.

It's been a little over two years since the inception of Dorkiphus and I wanted to take the time to evaluate its current state and possible future. Dorkiphus has become more than just an internet forum, it has grown into a close niche community, much like a family. Over the years I have met some great people, many of which have become close friends. The majority of us all know each other, have spent numerous hours together either under, in, around or just talking about our cars. This is what makes this board different than any other web community. I would like to preserve this community and ensure its longevity for the years to come. I would like to get some feedback from the members as to what Dorkiphus means to you and its purpose. Please speak freely and respond directly to this thread.

Steve's Thoughts.
 

I had some opportunity to reflect on the Dorki spirit this weekend while talking with Dorkis and spending the whole day in the garage getting my car back together.

Without this group, I would have never ever attempted to do the level of work I have done on my car this past year. I bought the car to drive around on nice days. I never expected to be working on it myself, but with inspiration from the Pelican board and the willingness to help here, my car has not seen a paid wrench since I bought it.

In the past year, I have been inspired/required to:
- Fix the ignition system
- Flush the brakes
- Fix my blown coil as a result of the ignition system fix (search on that thread :) )
- Change transmission fluid.
- Miscellaneous maintenance (belts, heater hoses, etc).
- Replace the seats with power seats.
- Drop the engine to fix leaks, replace clutch, etc.
- Reinstall the engine.

Almost none of these jobs I would have attempted without the inspiration of this group. Even the simplest tasks (belt change) required me to hit the board for a hand (I only had 4 shims and someone hooked me up with a couple from their stash).

The bigger jobs, of course, people were willing to lend their time, talents and tools. I have a garage full of stuff I need to return: engine stands, jacks, jack pads, CSI oil leak light, fuel pressure gauges, screw extractors, books, etc. All lent out without worry that they would be returned and put to good use. (Guys, I will be making a tool return run very soon!)

I had many people drive out to BFE to help me remove my engine. My engine work took me longer than expected (due to a variety of ordering snafus and other commitments) but I wanted to get it installed this past weekend. I knew a lot of people would be busy with the holiday and their own long-weekend projects, but I had a number of people express interest that they would come out to help. Then the board went down. I lost all my contact information. Fortunately, a hard core Dorki (thanks Bill) came all the way from Maryland to help reinstall the engine. Long after Bill left and I got the last parts together for a test, it wouldn’t start. I posted my problem to Pelican and other Dorkis picked up the phone and called me to offer help and advice.

When I finally get this sorted out, I look forward to celebrating the success with you.

As for community, this is a great place. Like NASCAR has “Who’s your driver?” as a greeting, it seems I always hear “How’s the car running?” when Dorkis meet. We have had a group T-shirt, a dinner (where I could say I knew nearly everyone in the room – except the ladies!), monthly gatherings, engine drops, fun runs and barbeques. We have mourned the tragedies of on-road and on-track accidents and supported those folks into new cars. We have celebrated acquisitions of new cars (some guys multiple times!) and new future drivers (or at least pit crew!). We talk smack and give each other a hard time, all in fun. (Yes, the A/C does fit in with the backdated heat! – Woohoo! Brown Porsches are still Porsches – and so are Targas).

All of the above are parts of what makes this a great place. I’d hate to lose it again.

Glad to see the board is back. Serious withdrawl this weekend!

I dunno. This place may have become a victim of its own success. I don't see much here that bothers me, but I have definitely heard from others, and also noticed that some of the founding fathers are here a lot less often. I've never been one to get my panties in a wad over stuff on Internet BBS sites. Some folks need to "Lighten up, Francis." Maybe we need a "Nomex suit required for entry" disclaimer on certain pages here. I'll now say what I know a lot of folks are thinking, but have not posted here. I have heard this from many others.

This place started out as an anti-clique or anti-PCA-establishment site. It used to be a bunch of enthusiasts and DIY'ers and that was pretty much it. We rushed to be first at the gates when SP opened in the morning, so we could all park together and set up camp. Everybody FLAMED everyone else at all times, but no one ever got offended by it. (I feel particularly justified in saying this, since I take/took a huge brunt of the flaming until Pari took over;). Ooops. There I go again. A fun run here, brake rebuild there, stealth engine drop with Pabst on a weeknight, etc. This is mostly a great bunch of folks with thick skin, good humor, excellent wrenching skills and a huge aptitude for teaching and learning about track and DIY stuff.

As it has grown though, a lot of the things this site tried to avoid or get away from, have crept into the fold. Some of the Eddie Haskels and PCA Potomac "wise men" have jumped into the Dorkiphus crowd, probably because we're cool and the Potomac site is pretty much forgotten, but not gone. Sorry, but it's not our fault we get more traffic and have more...er...spirited discussions. At the risk of sounding as cliquish as we had tried to avoid with this site's creation, basically, if you can't hang here without getting your feathers ruffled, then you may want to try the Rennlist 993/996 board, click your wine glasses with them and munch on brie. I missed all the drama last week that preceded our collective "time out". Save me the flaming PM's and post it here. If folks get offended here, they should not come here.

What RL said - I'm with him 100%. This site was started and is starting to evolve away from a place where good friends can talk with each other, throw some smack around, go driving, and basically cut through all the bullshit and pretense. To me, I've always seen this BBS as just an internet version of standing around at someone's engine drop BSing and drinking beer. I would never say anything online that I wouldn't say to someone's face, but thing thing I like about this place is I can say something online that I WOULD say to someone's face and know it won't be misconstrued for anything more than the BS that it really is.

For the those here who made themselves the defacto hall monitors - around here, take everything very lightly. Maybe there should be a disclaimer. That was the original mentality of this board and I hope it will remain so. When I (or anyone here that I know personally, which is most of the regular posters) am on the track, I am very serious. Its not a joke, there is no smack talk, I listen to the instructor, follow directions, and show them the respect they deserve for having the cojones to strap themselves into the right seat and try to teach me how to drive. I know for a fact several people here have already formed opinions of various regulars here based on their posts, and without actually knowing them in person. Let me say this - unless you know the person personally, hold your prejudice until you meet them. Then form and opinion - you might be surprised. The bad thing now is that there has been a lot of toning down of posts because there is a fear that the PCA instructors here, who don't come to Dorki events and don't know us personally, will get the wrong idea from this and already have preconceived notions about how we are going to behave on the track.

The main thing about the BBS that makes it different than Rennlist or Pelican is that everyone here who is an old timer or a regular poster, knows each other personally. We have been to each other's houses, drank each other's beer and come here to joke around. This is why, for example, John Brady knew I was joking about putting slicks on my car for my first DE. This is also why we often reply to each other using *real* names, not screen names, and why when someone posts here for the first time under a fake name the first response is usually "What is your real name".

This is not a place for anonymity or lurkers like Pelican. Nothing against the lurkers, but I'm not here posting for their benefit and I don't feel like "toning it down" or taking their misunderstandings into accout when I do post. Personally, I find the thought of some lurker reading a joke I made about running slicks at my first DE and then (without asking or talking to anyone else) coming to SP with his own set, freakin' hilarious. Like I said - this is a place where I come to discuss Porsche things with my friends, and if a joke is misunderstood by a lurker, then that is their problem, not mine. If they get involved, go to some engine drops or fun runs and meet the people here, they'd learn people's personalities and know what is a joke and what is not. They'd know what is just smack talking and hot air BSing between friends. And if they don't? Well, then screw'em. This is not the official PCA site, and I don't want to be forced to only espouse PCA approved doctrine and warm, fuzzy PCness in my posts. If that becomes the case, I'll simply stop posting, and so will most of the other old timers who made this place what it is. And then Dorkiphus will become PCA Porsche Talk.

Finally, ditto what RL said about the flaming PMs on this subject - post it here. There has been a lot of these floating around lately, so in the interest of open debate, I intend on posting any PM on this subject to this thread. So if you want to call me an asshole, do it here.

I want to echo what VaSteve wrote, to somewhat the same degree. My engine is out, the car rests on borrowed wheels and I think everyone had a good time at my engine drop. Without Dorki this would not have happened. I am glad to see it back on line and I think Charle and Geoff are due a great deal of thanks.

As for what caused the pause, I must say I was asleep, and was not reviewing all the posts and thereby did not pick up on the controversy and won't comment. I will say from my experience with another board I was responsible for had somewhat the same problems. I had to pull the plug and was lambasted for it.

I think it is understood that Charlie and Geoff and the other long term members have created a community. Defined as a group of people residing in the same local and under the same government and in this case with the same interests. The operable word here is "government." Without organization there is no community and without some government or 'rules' there is only chaos. It is the nature of things where differing opinions and goals collide.

As far as thick skin is concerned, it should not be necessary. A person should be permitted to ask dumb questions and not be called down, nor should motives be questioned. "Just the facts, Mam!"

Am I for censorship? No, not really. Am I for organization and order? The answer is yes.

This board is the private property of those who created it for the benefit of those who use it. We are invited guests and we should behave like guests, with manners, and care for others. Off the soap box!

To Charlie and Geoff and others doing the managing, thank you and you own nobody an apoligy or explanation for your decisions. When we get out of hand, "call us down" preferably in private and remove the posts.

John Lewis
ARF

VaSteve's experiences mirror my own. I never learned about the mechanical workings of cars when I grew up, but I did obtain an appreciation of sports cars from my parents. A few years back, a local group of Talon/ Eclipse/ Laser owners banded together, and a handful of guys with mechanical skills started helping others work on their cars -- both as a form of recreation, and to help each other reduce repair costs. This helped me overcome my hesitation to work on cars.

But until the Dorkiphus board was formed, I did not touch a single bolt on my holy 911. Ivan Arzola had been maintaining my car for several years, and I was (and still am) extremely happy with his work. But it is not cheap to always bring your car to a mechanic, especially for smaller repair items (CV boots, bleed brakes, change oil, etc.). And since I have been attending more track weekends, I have had to reallocate more of my budget to brake pads, tires, hotel, etc. So joining the Dorki Board has allowed me to hook up with many people who can provide guidance and support when I need to have something repaired. But I actually joined to attend the monthly get-togethers, which have for the most part been replaced with car repair sessions (which is even better).

Of course people like Dirk, Kurt and Tony always frequented the PCA Potomac BB, but very little repair info flowed back and forth on that board. Fact is, there are many people in the Potomac group that have a lot of mechanical knowledge they can contribute to this group. But they also have a better background in the DE side of things, so they can be quick to point out when someone should think twice before a planned mod to their car. The reality is that when I joined the Dorki Board, most of the members were into modding/ improving ther cars, but were not in the DE program yet (I even remember hearing people say it was unfair they needed to join PCA just to participate in the DE program).

In the end, there is a lot of cross-over between the two groups. There are many cliques in PCA, and one could easily argue that Dorki is just another clique. But the Dorki group has one big difference -- they/ we always accept new Porsche enthuseists into the group, with no questions asked. And the Dorkis will invite newcomers to their garages to help them with needed repairs, or drive an hour+ to their house to help them out -- even though they have not even met the person face-to-face yet.

In the end, being a Dorki is not so much being part of a group of cool people as it is a state of mind. It's a bunch of guys (and some gals) who like their cars, like working on cars, and like helping others. This in no way conflicts with the mindset of most PCAers -- it's just that many of them never had the chance to be part of a similar group. I never understood why there wasn't more car repair support within PCA Potomac, but I'll always be grateful Dorkiphus stepped in to fill that void.

As I mentioned at last year's dinner, belonging to this group was more than just about owning a Porsche. It's about sharing our enthusiasm of a marque that we all dreamed about in the past. And now that ownership is a reality for us, it's great to have a group to "pal around" with.

I know the regulars on this board and will say that I know I can count on them if I need help. And I hope they all know that I am there for them as well.

Like with any group, if you're a newbie....get to know the others before passing judgement or flaming.

That said...can't wait till the next dorki gathering to see my "old" friends and make some new ones.

Thanks for getting things back up and running Charlie and Geoff. Not sure what the issue was, let me/us know if you need help.

The group we call Dorki has indeed evolved over the years. I like the 'anti-clique', but we cant go back. Flying under the radar can only last so long.

The collective knowledge here is amazing, let's not let some attitude or simple missunderstands get in the way. From basic DE questions, to precise technical questions to 'am crazy for...', this board has been supportive and instrumental in my P-car experience.

Every group goes through up and downs, let's hope we can keep are chins up and keep the proper focus here. Earlier this year the smack was getting a little out of control, glad things calmed down a bit. But, let's not go too far to the center, uptight and PC do not interest me.

Hopefully 2005 will be the year of the Dorki. I am psyched about DE'ing my new car, finally making it to a fun run and convincing you red state boys to come over the bridge for a MD style bar-b-que this summer. :)

I am one of those old-timers who has not posted as much lately, but it is a reflection on changes in my life rather than dissatisfaction with the board. Weekends tied up with kids in college and a weekend home keep me from a lot of the weekend-intensive member activities, but I still try to keep my foot in the door with the occasional flame, sarcastic comment, or ignorant question. One of the things that has been the board's strength is that people are serious and dedicated entusiasts but do not lose perspective, i.e. we all know there are more important things in life than (dare I say it?) Porsches. Sorry, I mean 911s. This helps to keep us a community of equals, which keeps it a community of mutual respect. We may give advice to one another about what should be done, but once the individual decides what to do we support that. If there is a "golden rule" on this board, I would say it's something like "It's your car, and the most important thing is that you be happy with what you do to it and in it." It may sound simplistic, but I think basically all we do with the board and its related activities is make each other more happy with our cars, which is mutually rewarding.
What I see on other boards is that sometimes people get too much of an emotional or ego stake in what's said. Ironically to me, these people tend to be the most protective of their anonymity, yet they become the most upset and abusive when they disagree with somebody else or someone disagrees with them. If boards required the member profile to have accurate personal information--I'm not talking about address and tel. no., just who you are and the city/state you're posting from, a lot of the nastiness would disappear. My name and city are on every board I'm a member of, and I don't post something I wouldn't say in person. And I don't send nasty PMs to avoid public scrutiny. Some people who do that justify it by saying they didn't want to embarrass the person publicly, or that because the comment was emotionally charged it was not appropriate for public posting, but it's interesting that they only do it to people they never expect to meet face-to face. Along those lines, because this is a local board and we meet in groups frequently, we put real names to real faces and know not just the city, but the individual house each other lives in--so we pretty much have to take personal responsibility for what we say here. I don't mean to imply that we are a bunch of jerks who would trash each other if we thought we could get away with it, it's just that personally knowing the people you're posting to (in front of the community) is an incentive to be civil.
I don't know exactly what occurred to trigger Charlie's reaction, but unless it's someone whose opinion I value and who I know, I personally am not going to get bent out of shape by a post or a PM. I would hope other Dorki would take the same attitude. If an unknown or unmet member is being disrespectful to other members in posts, I think we can just let it go in one ear and out the other. I think joining in the fray just keeps it going and rewards the initial rudeness. The worst thing to do is to respond in kind. We know who posts helpfully and who has gotten their hands dirty with us under our cars. We can expand the Dorki circle with down-to-earth people like ourselves, and I don't think the occasional foray of troublemakers into the mix will put a significant damper on things. They don't have the courage of their supposed convictions, and it is extremely unlikely any of them will be there when one of us is in need, so why worry about them?