Where have all the True Experts Gone?

[maritimeclassics]

I'm not trying to start something here but I'm noticing a trend that's not good for the hobby. There is a lot of questions that get asked here that do not get the correct answers and it begs the question on where have all of the real experts gone. This site when it started and quite a few years to follow was monitored buy some of the best restorers in the world and now you don't see them answering questions anymore. I have my theory but I would like to here from some of you out there.

[JimF]

My guess would be Facebook. There are several sites with Chris-Craft or vintage boat in the name. Boat Buzz used to be the only game in town but now there are a dozen free ones. I respond to this site but have pretty much given up on the others.

[homeiste]

I don't think this phenom is unique to us. My other non-professional passion is vintage International Harvester 'Light Line' vehicles (Scouts, Travelalls, pickups). I see the same thing in that world. There are a couple forums that have been around for years and were hosted by the experts, and a bunch of newer facebook sites. The information on the FB sites can't be trusted, mostly a bunch of folks just spouting their thoughts and opinions. It's amazing how wrong the information can be, but how right the people think they are. On the more traditional forums where the information used to be by the experts and trustable, the experts seem to be less active, perhaps aging out or just getting tired of manning the forums. These sites are still far better however than the facebook crap.

[WoodenRookie]

Amen, this site sourced and help me build my boat. I hate it's lack of activity. I understand but....

[jfrprops]

well, I guess I am one of the experts that no longer post so much? I was, perhaps still am, among the top ten all time posters here...but what happened is it became difficult to continue because of password glitches and etc...which Troy and the crew cleared up a time or two...but computer glitches are really lapses in my tolerance and refusal to learn. I am old and don't care to do much by way of learning the tricks of the cyber world...that said, I can fix lots of boats stuff and offer a sometimes wrong but always certain opinion on most boat related questions. So I will try to be more flexible and post a bit more when I see the need.
thanks to all, Happy Fourth of July....Go Boating! John in Va.

[Paul P]

my theory is facebook has diluted and killed a lot of web sites, simply because it is so easy to load photos and get quick responses.

Since the old Facebook group has been archived, and a new "members only" group has been started, we hope the web site and Facebook group can be integrated with cross referencing back to the Boat Buzz archives, because therevis a lot more searchable info there by catfgory, yhan Facebook can handle. Hopefully we can use the Facebook part for the initial contact discussions and Boat Buzz for the heavy lifting technical info facebook does not do well.

I saw some really bad information being posted on the open Facebook page and CCABC shouldnt be promoting things like using steel wool on s boat. I wonder if some of those people even have any hands-on experience before giving advice.

In any case, the new CCABC Members Facebook page will hopefully be loaded with better information due to the fact that members are probably better informed about all things Chris-Craft.

You can help by cross referencing good content in the Boat Buzz to the new Facebook page, and helping boost activity on Boat Buzz.

[tkhersom]

Sounds like the general consensus is the same. FB and the like have ruined many forums.

John in VA also points out a reality. Many people got frustrated when the system had glitches and went away without returning.

The current leadership and BOD's is doing a fantastic job trying to bring the focus back to Boat Buzz. Let's hope it works.

[matthew.smith]

The Glitches killed me. I am not an expert by far. The crap fest on Facebook is insane. This is a safe place and I do trust the experts here. I just renewed and had to start over. I was the 3rd member to join back when this was started. In a way it helped start WoodyBoater and have met some amazing people.

[jfrprops]

glad to see Matt back on board here. I was among the top 10 posters here for years...but glitches killed me off too...much better now...many thanks to all. John in Va

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Does anyone have a FLV engine manual. It used to be in the archives

[drrot]

Like this? I could probably find one to loan if you could bring your buddy in Chautauqua a tasty sandwich