Dan, your challenge is a valid one and a reflection of the present situation.
As one of the older generation who has experienced the world of Beams I would love to share my experiences/opinions on all forum comments/queries. I have a sense of community that makes me want to share this knowledge for future generations. For those who know me, I am not bashful and usually have comments about anything technical. I also recognize that the newer generation of Beam owners “feel” dependent on the Internet and Forums as a means to network among fellow Beam owners. Us old timers only had meets or the phone to get our info and parts.
Ideally the newer generation would certainly benefit with knowledge from the old timers. But as Eric noted I beleive, many, if not most, old timers are not Internet or forum savvy let alone own a computer. I am in the transition mode. Have a computer yet still depend on meets and events to “bond” with others. So guess I have the best of both worlds. Or do I? Not really cause I am not fully integrated into the Internet/Forum world.
You see, I don’t have access to this stuff during my working hours like many if not most users. I have to take time from my day, actually late night, to sit down and access the Internet and forums. To be honest, I just can’t do this daily. Yet I’d love to. I am one of the lookers and if I had my druthers I’d answer’em all on the forum. Many of the comments I’d want to make require research on my part. Sadly I just can’t take the time. So I do not respond. If I can’t substantiate with facts I don’t comment. The reality is that with the Forum I am now afforded the opportunity to communicate with so many more people at any one time then in the “old days”.
I certainly empathize with those on the forum who do not get a response. While I can’t respond to all forum queries, I do respond on occasion. If the problem is a high enough magnitude, I am always available by phone. (717-832-1116 leave phone #. I’ll call back). Less time will be spent on the phone, more info will be provided and new friends will be made. Or better yet, invest in the time to attend an event. It is amazing what leads are developed at an event. Owners are more willing to share that valuable knowledge or part if a fellow owner expends the effort to travel to a meet.
Don’t become disenchanted with the forum . Keep asking questions. Someone will likely respond if it is a reasonable query. The questions are a catalyst for getting others involved.