The Super Friends club

Jean-Claude

Jean-Claude

Keeper of the beautiful
There's totally a Super Friends club on Autopia. For a short period of time I thought it would be worth while trying to join the Super Friends club(think of it as a new member's ignorance). Then I realized that it's a requirement that you go homo for the other members before you can join and decided it wasn't for me.



I make this thread not because it makes me bitter. It's more of a "gag" reflex. I know for a fact that I am not the only one who notices it as at least 2 others have mentioned it to me, as well as being eluded to by others openly.



No one's being called out specifically. But, so you know, folks clearly pick up on the elitism and I don't think it's healthy for the community.



**I rarely come around anymore because of this specific reason. I left the "need" for cliques in High School.**
 
Seems most any forum eventually ends up with a clique who believe they are the "be all and end all" of whatever the topic may be. Seen it many times and usually they end up splitting off and forming their own forum where they can engage in semi-private circle jerks. Unfortunately, they never really leave the original forum and instead stick around to stir the pot, claim like they can do no wrong and then act incredulous when the inevitable bans begin.



Shame there are such wankers online but the phenomenon is not unique to autopia.
 
Perhaps talking of the relationship some individuals have with others? Certain people that post frequently for a long period of time are going to be better known than those that haven't posted as frequently and haven't been around for as long. Just like all social gatherings, people will come to recognize certain people and appreciate the qualities that person(people) has (have).



When I first came to Autopia, I did A LOT of reading and not a lot of commentary. Slowly my reading gave me more and more knowledge of not only detailing, but what certain guys seem to be like, are into, and their backgrounds. Two examples of how this has affected me:



1. I'm a former infantryman in the US Army, and those with prior service have a bond that those who haven't served just can't understand. Guys like Barry, Jesse, and Bob Willis have all served in the military, and while their skills won't make me a better detailer, it has allowed me to engage them in a different way.



2. Trying to interact with those I respect the most has lead me to become a Detailed Image "Ask-A-Pro" Blog author, where I've then been put in closer contact to certain guys I've "seen around" but had not really talked with. This would include guys like Eric from Envious and DJ Mayo of Reflections.







In all, I believe there's a big difference in networking and having cliques. Many times I've taken the first step to contact a guy who I had a lot of respect or admiration for as I feel I'm the "new guy" that needs to introduce myself. I volunteer my phone number to any fellow pro or enthusiast who may have a question for me, even if they don't ask for it. Eric from Tru Shine of KNoxville has grown greatly this past year, and I originally started talking to him from a conversation about pressure washers we had over autopia PMs.



It doesn't take "Super Friends" to recognize good work or someone that is working hard to provide a high level of service. Jacob and I even started our own google map (no, we're not sharing it) so we can easier recommend detailers around North America to enthusiasts who request a high level of work. This includes many people who we haven't spoken with directly on the phone or in PMs, but just know of the work they post.



Lastly, interacting online is only one step. Guys like Todd Cooperider and DJ Mayo have linked up now multiple times to provide outstanding service to their clients. Later in the coming week I'll be working with fellow Michigan pro Shaun Carollo (autopian by the name name) of Superior Detailing, and it's looking like Jacob and I will be traveling to PA to work with Presidential Details on a super cool project as well. I don't know if that makes us or those mentioned "Super Friends" or just business men who are trying to put out the best work possible while creating the most marketing buzz to help with future growth.





Jean-Claude said:
**I rarely come around anymore because of this specific reason. I left the "need" for cliques in High School.**
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With less than 500 posts, it doesn't seen you've ever come around much in the first place. Ostracizing yourself from Autopia could certainly be affecting your opinion I hope you realize.
 
I guess I'm the only who has seen the "super friends" Southpark episodes...



There are definitely some cliques here, when I first registered, there was the Zaino and Klasse cliques.
 
I never picked on anyone specific. The level of skill someone has does not make an elitist. The attitude does. There are quite a few guys who have been here as long as anyone and are true industry magnates who have been awesome to talk with via forum posts, pm's, emails and phone calls(all over the USA).



I agree that networking is different than cliques. Let's not lose sight of the subject.



You appear to be taking this personal when I have not called anyone out(including you). I described an attitude that I and others have noticed.



Noting my post count is plain ridiculous. My post count does not define me as it does not define anyone. I lurked a long time before registering and I didn't post much for a long time either. I have made the choice to not be a parrot, just repeating readily available information while bumping my post count higher. Rather, I take quite a bit of time in creating my posts so that they are helpful. I have done what I could to help a lot of new members, locally(who are otherwise my competition) as well as nationwide. I also help out as often as I can on many other forums. My help and willingness to help is not motivated my money.



Suggesting that I am ostracizing myself from "autopia" is laughable(haha). Because I am willing to call out an attitude does not ostracize me from a place where the majority does not have that said attitude.



To be frank, you seem to be projecting with all of your assumption as to what I am talking about, which is mostly wrong. No assuming is required. I was very clear in my OP(I mean that in the kindest way possible). Ironically, I never thought you had that attitude(as if it matters to you).







MuttGrunt said:
Perhaps talking of the relationship some individuals have with others? Certain people that post frequently for a long period of time are going to be better known than those that haven't posted as frequently and haven't been around for as long. Just like all social gatherings, people will come to recognize certain people and appreciate the qualities that person(people) has (have).



When I first came to Autopia, I did A LOT of reading and not a lot of commentary. Slowly my reading gave me more and more knowledge of not only detailing, but what certain guys seem to be like, are into, and their backgrounds. Two examples of how this has affected me:



1. I'm a former infantryman in the US Army, and those with prior service have a bond that those who haven't served just can't understand. Guys like Barry, Jesse, and Bob Willis have all served in the military, and while their skills won't make me a better detailer, it has allowed me to engage them in a different way.



2. Trying to interact with those I respect the most has lead me to become a Detailed Image "Ask-A-Pro" Blog author, where I've then been put in closer contact to certain guys I've "seen around" but had not really talked with. This would include guys like Eric from Envious and DJ Mayo of Reflections.







In all, I believe there's a big difference in networking and having cliques. Many times I've taken the first step to contact a guy who I had a lot of respect or admiration for as I feel I'm the "new guy" that needs to introduce myself. I volunteer my phone number to any fellow pro or enthusiast who may have a question for me, even if they don't ask for it. Eric from Tru Shine of KNoxville has grown greatly this past year, and I originally started talking to him from a conversation about pressure washers we had over autopia PMs.



It doesn't take "Super Friends" to recognize good work or someone that is working hard to provide a high level of service. Jacob and I even started our own google map (no, we're not sharing it) so we can easier recommend detailers around North America to enthusiasts who request a high level of work. This includes many people who we haven't spoken with directly on the phone or in PMs, but just know of the work they post.



Lastly, interacting online is only one step. Guys like Todd Cooperider and DJ Mayo have linked up now multiple times to provide outstanding service to their clients. Later in the coming week I'll be working with fellow Michigan pro Shaun Carollo (autopian by the name name) of Superior Detailing, and it's looking like Jacob and I will be traveling to PA to work with Presidential Details on a super cool project as well. I don't know if that makes us or those mentioned "Super Friends" or just business men who are trying to put out the best work possible while creating the most marketing buzz to help with future growth.









With less than 500 posts, it doesn't seen you've ever come around much in the first place. Ostracizing yourself from Autopia could certainly be affecting your opinion I hope you realize.
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I don't mean to come off as taking anything personal, other than defending a site in which I don't see the problems you bring up. I suppose that is my point; that you talk of the "Super Friends Club" but I just don't see that. Certain people will always get along better, and I'm not sure how people could act in such a way to be extremely "clique-y" without seeing them in person. In what way could people have this Super Friends Club that is so detrimental to everyone else?



I bring up post count because I actually do believe it to be relevant. To not interact in a community is one thing, but to choose to not interact in a community while complaining about the interactions taking place in that community is something different. I find this disappointing mainly because I've seen some of your posts and I feel they contain everything that is vital in this line of work; accurate information, the ability to question industry "norms", great documentation, good pictures that accurately shows the prior and current condition of various surfaces, and other qualities that seem to uphold high standards. You bring a lot to the table, but choose not to actively play a positive role in a major online community that could use your knowledge and background. More and more I see you here, so this certainly doesn't apply to all times, but I find sites like this to be a case of you get out what you put in.
 
If anyone wants to join the superfriends club, just PM for the paypal info and I will get a kit out to you asap.
 
MuttGrunt said:
I bring up post count because I actually do believe it to be relevant. To not interact in a community is one thing, but to choose to not interact in a community while complaining about the interactions taking place in that community is something different. I find this disappointing mainly because I've seen some of your posts and I feel they contain everything that is vital in this line of work; accurate information, the ability to question industry "norms", great documentation, good pictures that accurately shows the prior and current condition of various surfaces, and other qualities that seem to uphold high standards. You bring a lot to the table, but choose not to actively play a positive role in a major online community that could use your knowledge and background. More and more I see you here, so this certainly doesn't apply to all times, but I find sites like this to be a case of you get out what you put in.
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I appreciate the compliment.



Again tho, it's not the site as a whole. You don't have to agree, but I am not alone in my sentiments. I am not attacking autopia. Making the observation that something is not healthy for a community is not an attack, it is constructive criticism. "Defending autopia" is not required. Either you would be defending the problem or you simply do not think there is a problem.



I can't say everyone here feels the same way, but for it to come up in conversation multiple times from more than 5 sources(that happen to be regulars here), means I am not making this up.



As far as posting more...

I help where I can when I feel like I can impart real help. It's of no use to repeat what's already been said and regurgitate old info. I rarely post "fluff" and if I do, it's for a laugh. My post count will focus on quality(which is obviously subjective :D).
 
Jean-Claude said:
I have done what I could to help a lot of new members, locally(who are otherwise my competition) as well as nationwide. I also help out as often as I can on many other forums. My help and willingness to help is not motivated my money.
Click to expand...



Have to agree with this part. Jean-Claude and I are very close in location for our businesses. Yet we have extended the olive branch to one another for overflow help. Jean-Claude is an upstanding guy and down to earth with his experience and attitude.



On a side note though, I would have to agree, there does seem to be those that think more highly of themselves over others. But I guess that can all be preseved in those that have been doing this 15 years, 10 years, 5 years or 1 year.



MuttGrunt said:
With less than 500 posts, it doesn't seen you've ever come around much in the first place. Ostracizing yourself from Autopia could certainly be affecting your opinion I hope you realize.
Click to expand...



I wanted to point this out, since you said that post count matters...it doesnt. I know something about a highly idolized detailer on here with vast experience and a very large post count, that has an attitude that would put a business under. I have always wanted to call this person out, but as of last month, I never saw a reason. But just wanted it to be known, that post counts do not mean ****. Someone with knowledge and 5-10k post can still be a complete ******* who thinks way to highly of themself. On a side note, kinda wish I still had the message from this person...it was very interesting to listen to for two minutes.
 
Jean-Claude said:
I appreciate the compliment.

Again tho, it's not the site as a whole. You don't have to agree, but I am not alone in my sentiments. I am not attacking autopia. Making the observation that something is not healthy for a community is not an attack, it is constructive criticism. "Defending autopia" is not required. Either you would be defending the problem or you simply do not think there is a problem.

I can't say everyone here feels the same way, but for it to come up in conversation multiple times from more than 5 sources(that happen to be regulars here), means I am not making this up.

As far as posting more...

I help where I can when I feel like I can impart real help. It's of no use to repeat what's already been said and regurgitate old info. I rarely post "fluff" and if I do, it's for a laugh. My post count will focus on quality(which is obviously subjective :D).
Click to expand...



Well first and foremost, I 100% feel you deserve the compliment. You bring up several great points, to include one that I should have brought more clarity upon myself; post count doesn't mean everything. I do agree with this while still feeling it does have weight. I'm sure many people will feel the same; quality over quantity. I don't mean that if you had 5k posts you're doing more for the community than anyone will less, I just mean that being a semi-frequent presence certainly helps.



I suppose in the end, it's just that I don't see the problem. Maybe I'll give you a ring soon and we can talk about it :)



MachNU said:
On a side note though, I would have to agree, there does seem to be those that think more highly of themselves over others. But I guess that can all be preseved in those that have been doing this 15 years, 10 years, 5 years or 1 year.

I wanted to point this out, since you said that post count matters...it doesnt. I know something about a highly idolized detailer on here with vast experience and a very large post count, that has an attitude that would put a business under. I have always wanted to call this person out, but as of last month, I never saw a reason. But just wanted it to be known, that post counts do not mean ****. Someone with knowledge and 5-10k post can still be a complete ******* who thinks way to highly of themself. On a side note, kinda wish I still had the message from this person...it was very interesting to listen to for two minutes.
Click to expand...



Some people will always feel they're better than others for whatever reason they choose to use. How many hacks out there defend their knowledge as "I've been doing this stuff for over 20 years - you can't tell me anything!" If someone has a bad attitude, it usually goes without saying and people that frequent the forums probably already realize this. Some people are just more confrontational, aggressive, stubborn, or hard headed than others.

As far as post count goes - see my above statement in this post for my personal feelings on that.
 
JC, you've expressed a very interesting observation :bigups that led to many forums crumbling and splitting up.



This kind of "situation" exists in any private and govt organisations around the world, any clubs and any club forums. It's prevalent in almost any office environment:hand:



There are bound to be many KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) who've been around for a long time within any forums, and he/she could be perceived by many other members as the authority within that forum.

It might or might not be true.



Note: Many Asian-based car forums even call these KOLs as "sifus" aka "masters".:yawn1::yawn1:



Similarly, in any organisation, there's bound to be prominent old-timers who're respected and held in high regards by other newer employees. That KOL might or might not be competent. The important thing is, time has given this person a certain level of respect and envy from others.



If a new employee to that company feels sore about it, it could be either due to low self-esteem, jealousy and a desire to be a somebody in that organisation. He/she yearns to look for respect and recognition but so far, has not achieved that.



In a Honda car club forum where I'm very active in, I regularly see this kinda behaviour:



There were a few individuals who're the KOLS..whether they acknowledge it or not, it's very clearly seen by any newcomer. That's life. Then, there are the silent lurkers who're just circling the camp:peep: , sizing up who's who within that camp, assessing the KOLs competencies, quietly absorbing any good piece of info and feel that they themselves are just as good or better than the KOLS within that camp.



IMO, everyone has different solutions to one situation.

That's the beauty:bigups

I don't give a damn about Group Dynamics cos WTHell!!!...I hv never even met these experienced and skilled members. I'm just behind my PC in another country, and willing to help if I can.
 
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