In a message dated 98-06-10 19:20:30 EDT, davidb@SKYBEST.COM writes:

<< I share in Eric's frustration!

 The quality of the discussions as reflected in the repetitiveness of the
 questions has deteriorated.  There must be a way to improve the
 discussion level.  I suggest that we find a way to encourage people to
 do a little research (reading) before the waste the band width and fill
 up space with such wonderful questions as:

 *    What tires are best?
 *    Do they make headers for waterboxers?
 *    How do I remove brake shoes?
 *    I have a rough idle?
 *    Gas mileage is down, what's the problem? >>

Bulley Weighs in--

David & Eric:

Fellas--no one likes complainers. The best cure for any problem is to do
something about it.

This list is not a static environment where people spout knowledge for
personal consumption. This is a learning environment. New members join or
visit daily and they have questions we may have heard before. Not everyone
knows the latest scoop on the best tires, or how to change their brake pads.
There are absolutely no stupid questions here.

Most of us recall the "not-so-long-ago" that we were asking about tires or
rough idle questions. The courteous replies of those more learned helped us
through a lot of head-scratching. What feeling would it have created if they
had said "we've already answered those questions, ask us something new!"

I would like to suggest, if you have all of the straight scoop on repairs,
that you help those folks in need by sharing your knowledge and opinions.
Answer those questions you have seen 200 times. It's great knowing you helped
someone.

If your brain housing groups are truely saturated with the discussions here,
sign off for a while: (I don't mean forever, just for a short while). In the
time you would normally spend on the list, do some research. Check out books
from the library, call VWoA, hang out at a VW shop: whatever. Then bring back
your new ideas and information to the list. This will revitalize you, and
improve the discussions you are dissappointed with.

best wishes for improved outlook and discussions,

gmbulley
cary, nc