Wow, this is probably the strangest thread I've read. I'm unaware of problems with Brad. I only know he considers himself a purist and dislikes anyone that makes mods to Spiders. Since I offer many products that upgrade and modernize Fiats I'll assume that is the reason for his "disagreement" with me.
I recall publicly thanking him over the years for his wiring diagram help and I often refer people to his site. And this besides the fact he advertises his book for sale here without ever donating any proceeds to help defer the cost of the site.
Maybe the lightening strike affected more than just his server.
I also was unaware I had minions to control
Pretty sure it mostly goes back to the brake compensator thread. You both posted some pretty strong language there.
In any case, don't get a big head, you have absolutely no control over me! I'm not sure I have any control over me, let alone a minion.
Jeff Klein, Aiken, SC
1980 FI Spider, Veridian with Tan (sold about a year ago), in the market for another project
1989 Spider, sold
2008 Mercedes SL65
2008 S600 Mercedes V12
Jeff Klein, Aiken, SC
1980 FI Spider, Veridian with Tan (sold about a year ago), in the market for another project
1989 Spider, sold
2008 Mercedes SL65
2008 S600 Mercedes V12
I did defend my product in the compensator thread, because my business was being attacked by someone that had never tried the product. I answered all of the questions asked even when it was posted that I didn't. On most forums, when someone with no knowledge of a product bad-mouths it, they're considered a troll.
I'm confused, a troll? I find it funny that without posting much of anything Mark and his minion have crafted this entire tale about my position here. It's wrong, but what the heck, it's a position at least. So here are some parting comments to you guys, since I'm too dense to just stop posting in this thread.
Let me state one thing clearly, because the rest of what I've written below is rather lame. There is not a single person who owns a Spider that I dislike. Mark's comment that I dislike people who "mod" Spiders, and by extension I dislike him, is idiotic. As in quite possibly the most idiotic thing I've had written about me. It is my experience that cars maintained near stock are on the road more, driven more, enjoyed more. Some of you tinker, that's where you find enjoyment, so be it. I think you can all find a better place to share your ideas.
I don't attack Mark's products, I don't know Mark's products (given what he's written I doubt I ever will). If you read the brake thread I'm not commenting on a single product he sells, except to say that the guy posting wasn't asking for some brake kit. The inability to Mark to comprehend my position is amazing to me, so I'll state it again: the guy asked if he should remove a safety part from a stock system. Mark and others said to go ahead and do it. I disagree with this - I think it is dangerous to offer this advice, especially to a home mechanic trying to keep his car on the road. Mark's solution then was to offer an upgrade kit to compensate for the removal of the device Mark suggested he remove. Manipulation of a thread to sell a product. We call that a conflict of interest. It's common here, too common.
I offered in 2012 to give this forum the entire library of wiring diagrams and other materials I have, for posting here exclusively. The offer was not taken up. I have a dim recollection of offering the same in 2010 as well. I've donated to this forum in the past and I believe I have around 2,500 posts here. I don't ass around asking people for donations for my website and materials, though everyone seems to use them. I'm waiting still for your unsolicited donation, Mark.
On the subject of my book, Mark, care to enter in a joint profit and loss venture on past and all future sales of the book? I'll give this forum 50% of all profits, and the forum will share equally in 50% of the losses. I'll send you an address so that you can send me a check. This may shock you - but I'm not in this for money. Perhaps I should have stated that in the prologue, that my manufacturing cost exceeds my ability to make money. From a business perspective it is a fool's errand. I love it, and I'll keep writing and goofing around content to help people because I want them to succeed.
For the record, I was the guy who actually sent the OP on the compensator thread the friggin part. You know, actually solved a problem. You on the other hand pontificated and got in a huff when I pointed out your double standard vis-a-vis the book while I ALSO took YOUR POSITION on the matter in my comment to Mark. For that you labeled me a "minion"!
So here's the bottom line; I am 17 years older than you which means when your mother was still wiping your butt for you I was bucking bales and working on a farm to scrape together enough cash to send to Bayless for parts to keep my 850 Spider running. I've been figuring out how to keep various cars running on my own ever since and I enjoy car guys who like cars. I ain't better or worse than any of them, just happen to have made more mistakes along the way that I can share.
Yes you've managed to compile a bunch of old documents and you've made considerable effort to make those available in lots of nice ways to others. But that doesn't for one minute make you some sort of Fiat demigod who any of us need kowtow to or put up with being insulted by. There are plenty of people in the world, friendly people who don't have egos the size of Texas, who have forgotten more than you'll ever know about Fiats. Get over yourself.
And while I'm at it: Mark, you are the friggin Moderator, if you can't show more restraint then to call a valued contributor a troll then you are just as much part of the problem.
There, I am so frigging done with this nonsense! I will stay and play, if allowed, on topic; Fiat cars.
Jeff Klein, Aiken, SC
1980 FI Spider, Veridian with Tan (sold about a year ago), in the market for another project
1989 Spider, sold
2008 Mercedes SL65
2008 S600 Mercedes V12
Drove the Volumex down to Cordova Bay golf course today...if I lay my drivers and fairway woods diagonally across the bag then they all fit in the trunk. It was a beautiful hot and sunny day, played a great game then spent an hour at the nineteenth hole, in the outdoor patio putting away a couple of pints with the boys.
Life is good.
We all have differences of opinion from time to time...and now it's time to move on.
Cheers, fellas, great site and great people.
Jim
Jimb wrote:Drove the Volumex down to Cordova Bay golf course today...if I lay my drivers and fairway woods diagonally across the bag then they all fit in the trunk. It was a beautiful hot and sunny day, played a great game then spent an hour at the nineteenth hole, in the outdoor patio putting away a couple of pints with the boys.
Life is good.
We all have differences of opinion from time to time...and now it's time to move on.
Cheers, fellas, great site and great people.
Jim
Sounds like a great day, Jim. I'm up at a little RV/Marina resort near Telegraph Cove, sitting in our 5th wheel looking down at my boat in the marina. Spent the day on the water fishing (not catching). Had a few dolphins playing in the wake of my boat and passed by a small pod of orcas - which is probably why there weren't so many salmon around.
One thing I've learned in my 67 years on this planet, is that life is way too short to let egos get in the way of enjoying a wonderful hobby. Suck it up, guys, we're all adults around here, right???
Bruce Shearer
'80 Spider Fi
'10 Volvo XC70
'06 GMC 1 Ton PU
'72 Spider a long, long time ago
If you're ever down my way get in touch and we can do coffee or beers.
Janyce and I are supposed to be in Chemainus the first week in Sept.....ESB (English Special bitters) at a pub in Ladysmith or in Parksville.
If I pack real light and weather is good, I'd love to take the Fiat over but we usually bring our bikes with us as well...
Chris
80 FI spider
72 work in progress
2017 Golf R ( APR Stg. 1)
2018 F350 crew long box
One thing I've learned in my 67 years on this planet, is that life is way too short to let egos get in the way of enjoying a wonderful hobby. Suck it up, guys, we're all adults around here, right???
100% agree.
EGO: acronym for "easing good out"
The good on this site is the love of our Spiders and the fellowship that binds members to this common goal. Each of us has personal interests in our cars that is unique just to that person. This means opinions will certainly differ and should be welcomed by all. We all have a choice of what to use and what not to use that is posted on the site. It's a shame when personal interests become more important than the site as a whole.
In my opinion losing members does not help the site in the long run
So soon we will be leaving central CT to join 5 other Fiat couples and spend a few day in Finger lakes area of NY before continuing to Freakout in Detroit. Hoping and praying the weather is not too hot and all the cars make the trip trouble free.
Last edited by spider2081 on Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
I remember one of the most valuable lessons that I learned when I was in the work force and tempted to harshly reply via email when I felt a strong inflammatory response was warranted.
Go ahead and write that damn thing but keep it as a draft before sending it out or posting as in this case. Take a look at it after a few hours or days even and ask yourself is it really worth it to send this? What am I accomplishing by doing so?
Keep that in mind the next time you are tempted to light the fires!
Too bad you can't check your egos and emotions at the front door before you log on!
I'm not sure I have any control over me, let alone a minion.
