I joined this forum back in 2007. It was much smaller. Back then I didn't know any of the moderators and didn't much care too. It wasn't important. As the forum grew I was more frequently moderated. The more frequently I was moderated, the more frustrated I became. I reached to by PM and phone calls. Tran took time to listen to my concerns. The more we all spoke the more I began to understand what they were trying to create here.
I missed Camaro5FEST I snowed in. The following year was uneventful on C5 with very few moderations as I had adjusted to the culture. I did get to Camaro5FEST II. When I arrived I found that the staff I had planned to work with (the local SCCA) bailed on us. My Dealers and the C5 moderators pitched in. It wasn't easy, but we made it work. It was that situation that brought me in close contact with most of the moderators. I know why I worked so hard. I know why my Dealers worked so hard. There is a hard core business aspect to what we were doing. The moderators are volunteers. They are not paid to run the Fest or to moderate the forums. They do it because they are 5th Gen Camaro guys.
Look around the forums on the net. You'll not find one that has as many brand-x members as Camaro5. If there is a busier model specific forum out there I haven't found it yet. People come to Camaro5 because they find it to be an online community they feel at home in. I hope that the new members and guests take the time to learn the C5 online culture and make it their own. I have no idea how long C5 will remain such a great place to be a part of, but having been on other forums I know it won't last all that long so enjoy it while you can.
Overall I am a pretty calm guy though some may disagree. There are a few thing that set me off. Lighting up the moderators is one of them. When you have invested as much time in building the C5 community, when you have volunteered hundreds and hundreds of hours to create C5FEST IV, when you have invested a fraction of the time the moderators do in C5 you will have earned the right to discuss with any moderator one on one your concerns about how they work and not before.
It goes deeper than the moderators. I have developed a great many friendships with C5 members here and abroad. There is nothing that makes me feel better than a PM, email or Sat call from one of our own serving in the military. When I was having a difficult time with my fathers health I can't tell you how much it meant to have a PM, email of phone call with prayers and offers of support. Camaro5 is my neighborhood. Because of Camaro5 I don't think there is a city I visit where I don't have friends. Not a name and avatar, a real friend and that includes a good share of the moderators.
The moderators have earned their place on C5. I appreciate what they have done and thank them for doing it well. If you can't say the same, if you don't like the culture here at C5 ,here is your hat. What's your hurry. Don't let the door slam on your backside while you leave.
Think about it. Maybe you should delete some of your posts on the forums regarding the moderators. Maybe you should thank them because as much as you say you don't like it you are still here. Be grateful I am not a moderator, because my ban hammer would be worn out and the thread locked after I closed this post.
