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I figured while I was bearing this prestigious symbol that I would help others that have it to understand exactly how this wonderful site works. Not so much in form or function, but in what/what not to do or say here. I suppose I have an advantage over the common green N in that I've been reading these forums on and off for the past four years. I just never posted (explained with good reason below). To those that missed my virginity post, check it out and notice the nature of the responses I recieved: all of them are encouraging and enthusiastic. One of them was from a member with a sharp eye for smaller details (the registration comment, even though it was technically incorrect, it shows you that people are looking). Another was inquisitive about paint deteriorating. NONE are negative. Here is why I believe this went so well, and some tips to help make your posts good ones: 1. I typed that post using regular english grammar, spelling, and punctuation. This makes posts just plain easier to read. 3's for E's and all caps will only slow the people down that may be reading to try and help you, if not totally stop them in frustration. Do them a favor, type in normal English, and they may just do you a favor. 2. My post is in the proper forum! So many times are there mechanical questions about the Z32 that are blindly thrown into the general forum. There's a page shown every time you start a new thread that asks you not to do this! The people that worked extremely hard to design this site built this feature specifically so threads go into their respective forums. If you're going to utilize the programming they wrote to gain answers to your own questions, at least give them the respect of taking advantage of the features they designed for YOU. 3. This one applies to why I never posted anything in four years up until now. I never needed to. The only reason I did post was to share my story and spread my will to keep these cars nice, one at a time. I've had problems with my Z and I only owned it for a year. This site -never- fails. ALL of my questions had been answered before. That search function is POWERFUL! With it you have at your fingertips the collective knowledge of hundreds of Z owners over several years, many of them having had the same problems you're currently having, and many of those who are great mechanics that have fixed your problem with their own hands on their own cars. Show respect to the people who went to the trouble to share this knowledge (especially the FAQ writers) and utilize search! 4. Keep in mind that you'll get the type of answer you asked for here. If it's a technical question, use search and you'll find your answer. If it's a question asking for an opinionated answer, don't complain or retort if you get people's opinions! For as much as we all love this car, everyone has their own ideas of what should be done to them, if anything. There's lots of us, but no two of us have exactly the same ideas. Someone will most likely hate your idea and tell you, but this is YOUR car you're probably talking about. Only you can spend your money on your Z32, so do it how you please. However... 5. The vast majority of this site's members (myself included) are convinced this car will ascend to classic status. FIFTEEN years after its initial release and the Z32 is still drop dead gorgeous in plain bone stock appearance. (If you don't agree, why did you initially pay for one to be in your driveway?) Nothing -needs- to be done for this car to look good, and this should be taken into account if you decide to alter its appearance. If you think you need to TRY to make this car look good with things such as outrageous body kits and big wings, your efforts are much better concentrated on cars that don't look anywhere near as good in stock trim. I'm not a Civic fan, but there are some really good looking ones out there. I've NEVER felt that way about a stock one though. The Z32 is a completely different story. Though there's nothing they can do to stop you, you can count on flak for installing a Veilside body kit. And finally: 6. To the new younger owners that are inevitably joining our ranks: I realize that teen popular culture almost -dictates- that you must add cosmetic and performance parts to your car, and that teen jobs can usually only pay for very cheap low-quality products. I see it all the time. The later model Acura Integras are a perfect example of this. Loud muffler, glimmering-blue winshield washers, Sears aftermarket wheels - I know of the need to look cool in school. Hell I'm 22 and it STILL hasn't gone away for me. But take into account my experience with the Z32 and the teen in the heavily cosmetically modded Integra: EVERY time I'm next to this person, my car is being STARED at. It's nothing fast or flashy, just a stock black NA coupe with Enkei GTV's. Still they just stare as if to say "Damn.........." The Z32 is one of the serious Japanese performance cars that is revered by owners of four-cylinder front-drivers, and one way that opinions on cars will always fall is that looking "cool" is nowhere near as good as looking -niiiccceee-. You will garner respect from fellow owners and others if you keep this in mind while doing anything to your Z32. Stay conservative with your decisions, and I promise that the people you're trying to impress WILL like your car and respect it. So nooBs, just do your part to be a classy Z owner and forum participant. This board is like a small country. Serve its cause, contribute to it, and it will pay you back handsomely. This is what I did for the USA and now college is completely free for me, so you can see how it might work with your Z32 and this forum. Remember - Enjoy the Ride. And make sure you always park next to your friend's Integra. He'll be jealous every time.
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00:08:35 11/16/04
