This is an open appeal to the admins of this forum from a veteran member:
There has never been a time like this in the history of the TDI. The BIGGEST scandal in automotive history that directly impacted a group of enthusiasts has us all somewhat emotional.
Perhaps you would consider letting some of these threads live on, or better yet, maybe create more structure to the forum topics for members' comments. Speaking of comments, how about consolidating the members' buy-back/fix/end lease settlement comments and submitting them to Judge Breyer on everyone's behalf? That would be far more productive than killing threads.
Respectfully, I disagree. (1) This is not the biggest scandal in automotive history. (2) There have several times like this in the history of the TDI, depending on your perspective (mine is obviously different). (3) "Dieselgate" is not making me emotional.
Redundant threads should be locked, as they often are for other topics. Threads that fail to contribute in a respectful and meaningful way should be locked, as they have been for other topics that became too emotional. Threads that descend into name calling, inappropriate behavior, and largely consist of posts which fail to contribute to the discussion in a mature manner should be locked, as has been done for other topics. How do we avoid having threads locked? We do it through our own good behavior as members of Fred's. Instead of creating a new thread, members should search for the existing thread(s) on the same topic and post in those. This mantra exists for every other topic, the "importance" of "dieselgate" does not make it a topic immune from this concept.
As for the moderators serving as the lay law representatives to TDIClub members who identify as injured parties (by collecting comments and submitting them to judges), I guess that one is so far away from the reality of what role and function TDIClub has served over the years, I'm not sure how to even breach the chasm that divides our understandings.
Otherwise:
As for Fred's being run with no common sense: I totally disagree. I, too, (like many others) have been a member of other forums. In addition, I visit hundreds of forums a year where I am not a member. IMO, Fred's is one of the few great informational resources and communities on the internet. I can't possibly spend the time detailing how terrific the site (and members) have been over the years, but doing isn't necessary for most long time members. The role of the moderators has been an important part of this, probably more important than many folks recognize- even when members disagree with them (which I have). Over the years I have noticed changes to the community, many not for the better, as new members join and attempt to post content (or in a manner) similar to "all their other forums," yet find it is not always appreciated here. Fred's is (or has been) different. I am thankful for that. Some members seem to join Fred's under the impression that any forum rules or guidelines for conduct and operation don't apply to them- or that they can ignore them without consequence. Still others join to troll and bait and disrupt otherwise healthy discussions, often as an outgrowth of their personal opposition to diesel cars or diesel fuel (or VW as a whole). I understand that in terms of "dieselgate," many members want a place to vent, to rant, or seek and share information. That's great, but it doesn't mean we should ignore the manner in which this information is presented- and (as far as I'm concerned), we don't need 400 threads covering the same 20 topics.
As for the suggestions to better organize the threads, that's reasonable. From my perspective, very little of the content has to do with emissions, and would be better served by a new forum dedicated to the "scandal."
