Are you a respected member?

There's so many amazing responses in this thread I'm hard pressed to come up with my own without mirroring someone else's almost word-for-word.

Though the reasons we enjoy FABO are different for everyone, the common denominator that brought us all together in the first place was our love for the cars and the need to learn and/or share what we've already learned with others. From there, we all discover the site to be much more than just some car forum ... it's a FAMILY. We care about each other, and that goes well beyond what's happening with that Dart or Demon in so-and-so's garage.

In the 6+ years I've been here, I've made lots of friends that have helped mold me as a person and (hopefully) made me a better individual because of it. I've had the opportunity to work with many of you and truly enjoy having a hand in your restoration efforts as you transform your car into your dream ride. I'd like to think I've been a respected member as we've gotten to know each other over the years ... but certain events a few months ago with a then-newbie have honestly given me pause and made me quite a bit more subdued than I really am, and now I'm not quite so sure anymore. Even though it's been awhile, that stuff cut me to the bone and thinking about it still makes me upset. I realize my self-confidence comes from within rather than without but a few sentences posted on a profile Visitors' Comment took more of a toll than I really like to admit.

Respect for my fellow members hasn't changed as a result but, just as before, it still has to be earned rather than automatically given. Post count and registration dates have nothing to do with it; if you deserve respect you receive it.