eh,
ok, I saw this thread yesterday and it put me off a bit. but is as good a question as any.
Do I think I'm a respected/accepted member? not really
Do I care? yes and no.
everyone wants respect, I think because it makes them feel good. Yes I'm a newbe who's become a regular. As I said when I first joined the site, I'm not a car person. As someone wisely pointed out shortly thereafter, this is changing. Yes, I've a desire to fit in here a bit better than I feel I do. This is because I respect FABO and the good people who come here and make it great.
Sometimes I may have posted some silly things in an attempt to make connections. Some of these things could cause me to lose respect from the many conservative people who come here, this site has a good number of people from the bible belt. But whatever, its was in good fun and if it causes you to lose respect for me, well then it my mind, its more your problem then mine.
But I don't come to FABO to be respected/accepted. FABO is many things to many people, it is not a place to be respected for me, yet. Not everyone comes here because they have a passion for these cars, but the passion people bring is addictive. I come to FABO to learn, get help and have fun. I often wish I did not have to come for help as much as I do and I'm reading, studying and preparing to purchase another car in an attempt to remedy this. Honestly if I grew up with cars and saw someone posting what I post I may have little respect for them. Thankfully there are people on FABO who are better than me. In swallowing my pride and asking the questions I've asked I've learnt a lot and am learning a lot. The blow to my silly pride and loss of self-respect that this has caused has often been replaced by the self-respect I've gained by being able to work on my car. Sometimes the information I receive is too much and I find myself asking questions that I've already received answers to. But I'm learning, I'm sure I can learn, and I'm determined to learn.
Part of the greatness of FABO is that you can (enjoy the site/benefit from the site) without fitting in/being respected. I REALLY REALLY REALLY respect those I see helping others, even if your politics are wacked IMO and you may occasionally be rude to others, SS. There are two members on here that have helped me repeatedly, even if talking to me in student teacher format, which is fine because I'm learning, and I cant thank them enough. The only thing I can try and do to repay the help and knowledge and enjoyment I've received here on FABO is to try to pass it on and make FABO a better place. Respect me or not, i respect FABO and really don't feel real disdain for any member here. I'm here, don't plan on leaving, and feel sure I will earn a good bit of respect in the end. Because as many people on here are, I know I too am a good person and am willing to help where I can.
a regular newbe's opinion,
peace
p.s. sorry for the long post, I think you like them short :p