Where'd Everybody Go?

[LorenS]

I am I just imagining things, or are a lot of people missing since the end of 2021? Was it the big increase in membership cost?

NIssacs

BlueOx01

Haggar 

The rifle cartridge avatar guy (PepsiOcean?)

Others I don't remember off hand.

 

Just a year ago I could not keep up with reading posts there were so many, now it's like a small town that's shedding residents.

 

I guess more and more folks are moving from 2nd Gens, and those of us that have them kind of have them dialed in better than before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tractorman]

This site has been a great source for information on second generation trucks - especially VP44 trucks., but considering the newest second generation truck is now 20 years old, most of problems have been figured out.  And, of course, as time goes by there will be fewer of these trucks on the road.

 

I do think the subscription price is too high to encourage long term membership.  I understand the reasons behind the price increase, but even I have considered dropping my subscription a couple of times.  The main reason I stay on the site is because I have invested much time already and I have met some very knowledgeable people here.  I also have turned wrenches most of my life and I like to help anyone learn a little more about their truck to be able to repair it and have the satisfaction of doing a great job performing the repairs.

 

I am a member of the Turbo Diesel Register (since 2004).  The annual subscription is $35.00, much less than the $100 annual subscription for this site.  Again, I understand about this site's operational costs, but nevertheless, people are likely to shop around.

 

- John

[JAG1]

I am going to retire soon and have to watch my money closely. Be nice if they had a senior discount. Then some older more experienced guys might tend to jump in more.

[LorenS]

6 hours ago, Tractorman said:

I am a member of the Turbo Diesel Register

Me, too. I actually let that renewal slip because I feel like their whole focus is trying to be Motor Trend - I don't care about the new Jeeps or sales numbers, nor do I need a writeup on how to wash and wax a car. When the price here shot up I did renew over there - but for many reasons you mention I finally re-renewed here, hoping things financially turn around so the price can come down some and I like the people and feel of the site.

[Threadzy]

I know without this site and the knowledgeable people on here my truck and my brother in laws would not be as reliable and perform nearly as well as they do now.  Any business that isn’t profitable can’t stay afloat. I look at it this way. I remember all the mom and pop stores that used to be around. You knew them and they new you on kind of a personal level , like Mike here does. Now with all these chains stores. They  have put them out of business. And that personal level is gone. They can’t give the price breaks that the big chain stores can give. Just look at Walmart. I hate to go there. And I rarely do. I know I can call Mike up on the phone with a question. He’ll answer or call me  back. Try to get the CEO of Costco to do that. 

[Silverwolf2691]

Haggar still posts every now and then..

 

But I agree.. This is one of the only forums that I regularly come to because its genuinely nice to be around..

 

Might be life getting in the way a bit more.. or they have moved on from the second gens..

 

IDK.. this forum (as a whole/community) is less of a discussion board and more of like either a fire dept. or coworkers.. we all have different backgrounds to bring to the table but we are all here for one common thing.. And we all help each other figure out our issues or listen to the rants or give advice.. I think we are closer than people on like Cummins Forum, Turbo Diesel Register, or Diesel truck Resource.. I mean meet ups are one thing, but going camping is another..

[W-T]

I too agree with much of what has been posted here however; fee wise, this site being what it is requires .27 cents per day. That's nothing compared to much of the necessities we all pony-up for our daily lives. Heck, I spent $3 on beer just yesterday and that's a total of $1095 per year!

 

@LorenSright, many talented individuals are missing in action but, occasionally they do pop up on this site when subject matter has merit and the skill set of the individual is warranted. They all know, as do we, their contribution is always of interest.

 

TDR is the big player and I was a quiet member back in 2001 when I first joined up. Being this was my first diesel rig, I wished to glean knowledge and the control aspects were just being pioneered most notably by Marco in Italy, playing with ECU's  and the initial development of the Smarty's. I found it to be an excellent starting point.

 

Yeah...TDR has a massive presence however; when it comes to real nuts-and-bolts of the 2nd Gen's, Mike Nelson blew them away. It's easy to see when you page through a few of the other sites and observe the buffoonery...who can roll-coal to put the lights out or the infamous "tin foil hat brigrade" looking to solve electronic faux-pas issues. Truly, M1973M has merit and general qualities for the discriminating and practically-minded Diesel enthusiast.

 

Further more, seriously... the 2nd Gen platform is the "Cult status" platform! Yeah, I know there are lots of guys with 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen rigs that have modern notable advancements but, why is it when I'm out and about with my 2nd Gen that invariably one of the aforementioned platform owners offers to "swap" trucks with me? Yep, I just laugh it off and tease them with it, "Sucks to be you". I'll never relinquish this rig...she's pretty compared to the bulbous-fat looking later models and as Nelson and other knowledgeable individuals know...working on a 2nd Gen is a pleasure. Re-Gen...what the hell is that?, oh gosh, don't forget the Blue DEF crap...boy am I glad I don't have to deal with that.

 

Let this site remain FOCUSED...dump the silly herbal medicine (stone-able) $hit and get back to business. Pay attention to the technical functionality of the site and 27 cents a day is not too much to pay for what this site has brought in the realm of notable technical excellence. As time progresses, all vehicular platforms that are worthy, eventually become the most desirable in regard to nobility...the same goes for web-site nobility.

 

@KATOOM, @Haggar, @pepsi71ocean just to mention a few, are always interesting contributors and lately, observing the banter between @wil440 and @Tractorman  has been quite enlightening and I find it intellectually stimulating.

 

Why is there a lull in activity? Gosh, let me guess...the political garbage of the present regime in power? What bathroom does your kid need to use at school, what anti-American organization wants to burn your city offices to the ground, what minority is offended by the vehicle you drive? Damn it! there is so much crap going on, I believe the average individual is depressed to the point of mindless mediocrity. It's a nation wide and world wide sickness that's overtaken the hearts and minds of so many people and we've lost the sense of enjoyable fun.

 

Let's hold on guys and gals...we are just a bunch of blue-collar-butt-cracks enjoying what "we" find of interest and it's that mutual interest and respect that allows longevity in the pursuit of happiness. In time, perhaps membership will grow and yearly fees might subside however; let's not forget what we do have on this site compared to the "other" sites.

 

I should apologize for my caffeine fueled rant...I don't know what has taken me over this morning but, for all the terrible things that have come our way in the last 16 months, let's try and support what little joy each of us can eek-out for another day.

 

BTW...sure miss @dripley

 

Respectfully

W-T     

 

 

 

       

[LorenS]

Wal-Mart used to be a mom and pop shop. Geno's Garage got started by one guy selling one gauge. Amazon and Apple were each based out of a garage when they started.

Stan Kroenke the professional sports magnate may be a multi-billionaire now, but he could have been there sweeping the floor when my grandpa was buying lumber from Stan's father to build our cabin.

J.R. Simplot started out as a guy with a good idea for drying onions during WWII.

Harvey Firestone started small, but built his empire being smart and thinking ahead, and the world is better because of it.

 

I don't look down on success.

[wil440]

Couldn't have put it any better 

7 minutes ago, W-T said:

I too agree with much of what has been posted here however; fee wise, this site being what it is requires .27 cents per day. That's nothing compared to much of the necessities we all pony-up for our daily lives. Heck, I spent $3 on beer just yesterday and that's a total of $1095 per year!

 

@LorenSright, many talented individuals are missing in action but, occasionally they do pop up on this site when subject matter has merit and the skill set of the individual is warranted. They all know, as do we, their contribution is always of interest.

 

TDR is the big player and I was a quiet member back in 2001 when I first joined up. Being this was my first diesel rig, I wished to glean knowledge and the control aspects were just being pioneered most notably by Marco in Italy, playing with ECU's  and the initial development of the Smarty's. I found it to be an excellent starting point.

 

Yeah...TDR has a massive presence however; when it comes to real nuts-and-bolts of the 2nd Gen's, Mike Nelson blew them away. It's easy to see when you page through a few of the other sites and observe the buffoonery...who can roll-coal to put the lights out or the infamous "tin foil hat brigrade" looking to solve electronic faux-pas issues. Truly, M1973M has merit and general qualities for the discriminating and practically-minded Diesel enthusiast.

 

Further more, seriously... the 2nd Gen platform is the "Cult status" platform! Yeah, I know there are lots of guys with 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen rigs that have modern notable advancements but, why is it when I'm out and about with my 2nd Gen that invariably one of the aforementioned platform owners offers to "swap" trucks with me? Yep, I just laugh it off and tease them with it, "Sucks to be you". I'll never relinquish this rig...she's pretty compared to the bulbous-fat looking later models and as Nelson and other knowledgeable individuals know...working on a 2nd Gen is a pleasure. Re-Gen...what the hell is that?, oh gosh, don't forget the Blue DEF crap...boy am I glad I don't have to deal with that.

 

Let this site remain FOCUSED...dump the silly herbal medicine (stone-able) $hit and get back to business. Pay attention to the technical functionality of the site and 27 cents a day is not too much to pay for what this site has brought in the realm of notable technical excellence. As time progresses, all vehicular platforms that are worthy, eventually become the most desirable in regard to nobility...the same goes for web-site nobility.

 

@KATOOM, @Haggar, @pepsi71ocean just to mention a few, are always interesting contributors and lately, observing the banter between @wil440 and @Tractorman  has been quite enlightening and I find it intellectually stimulating.

 

Why is there a lull in activity? Gosh, let me guess...the political garbage of the present regime in power? What bathroom does your kid need to use at school, what anti-American organization wants to burn your city offices to the ground, what minority is offended by the vehicle you drive? Damn it! there is so much crap going on, I believe the average individual is depressed to the point of mindless mediocrity. It's a nation wide and world wide sickness that's overtaken the hearts and minds of so many people and we've lost the sense of enjoyable fun.

 

Let's hold on guys and gals...we are just a bunch of blue-collar-butt-cracks enjoying what "we" find of interest and it's that mutual interest and respect that allows longevity in the pursuit of happiness. In time, perhaps membership will grow and yearly fees might subside however; let's not forget what we do have on this site compared to the "other" sites.

 

I should apologize for my caffeine fueled rant...I don't know what has taken me over this morning but, for all the terrible things that have come our way in the last 16 months, let's try and support what little joy each of us can eek-out for another day.

 

BTW...sure miss @dripley

 

Respectfully

W-T     

 

 

 

       

Couldn't have put it any better

[Threadzy]

I don’t look down on success either. It’s the American way! My issue is the majority of these now corporations are ran by libtards. They donate millions to the democrat party. The anti American way party. Oh and don’t get me started on the RINO’s!  Sorry off topic 

[JAG1]

I thought a lot of what is important got lost here when Dripley and others stopped coming around but, listening to you real full blooded Americans brings me much relief, hope and encouragement. All of you guys speak human, thank you.

[Silverwolf2691]

5 hours ago, W-T said:

Why is there a lull in activity? Gosh, let me guess...the political garbage of the present regime in power? What bathroom does your kid need to use at school, what anti-American organization wants to burn your city offices to the ground, what minority is offended by the vehicle you drive? Damn it! there is so much crap going on, I believe the average individual is depressed to the point of mindless mediocrity. It's a nation wide and world wide sickness that's overtaken the hearts and minds of so many people and we've lost the sense of enjoyable fun.

 

After the past two years and lately especially if friends or family are asking if I'm doing alright, I'm starting to say eh or I don't know anymore.. Its my firm belief that everyone right now not in upper politics is so burnt out on all the bull that we have to sift through or ignore after having it shoved in our faces, but we have to keep doing something resembling our normal routines.. Our bodies and minds have had check engine lights on but we have had to put the electrical tape over the light and deal with it later.. Unfortunately, like with most machinery, you only have so long before repairs or down time is necessary..

 

After talking with my therapist and some close friends, the burnout that nearly everyone is in is also pushing people into survival mode. That semi-mindless, over tired, instinctual state of no manners and short fused tempers. The only people that matter is yourself first, family second (situation dependent), and everyone else can wait until after everything is better.. The hardest part for anyone in that mode is getting out of it, especially when the things that put you there are still out and about. Think about the stray animals that wont let you touch them for a time after you bring them in..

 

Survival mode also puts so much stress on the mind and body that any extra energy you would normally have to do the little extra things around the house or interact/help others is diminished severely or gone entirely, there's just no more bandwidth to add something too...

 

Granted these are over simplifications but the general idea is there.. This whole situation across all fronts is not good. Short tempers all around, I'm kind of surprised more stuff hasn't happened here in the states... 

[Max Tune]

I always tell my wife, follow the money.

 

Shoplifters taking what they want because the police won't waste time arresting them. No money in it. The criminal has nothing. Shop owners and homeowners can't detain and beat the living crap outta them because that would be infringing on their "rights". If they do, the working person, protecting his property, gets arrested and the screws get put to them. They have money and something to lose, so they pay....alot, just to be able to keep working and support their families.

 

Follow the money....

 

When I was a kid, there were hobos and bums/tramps. They never settled anywhere and we're kept on the move by cops with billy clubs. Hobos would work for a meal or a little pocket change and move on. Bums/tramps would steal what they wanted. Now they all squat on the sidewalks in tents and wait for the handouts, which are plenty. Back in the day, the only charity they received was the meals in jail and when their sentence was up, they got escorted to the edge of town and told to never come back. It's outta control and only getting worse.

 

If you work and have money, you are the one being targeted by government. If you have nothing, live in the streets and are nothing but a drain on society, the world is your oyster.....

 

 

 

For the record.... I'd rather pay the lawyers, fines, do the time, and have a record for beating the ever living crap out of a criminal before I'd roll over and do nothing. Don't steal from me or mine and there will be no problems.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Max Tune

[JAG1]

3 hours ago, Max Tune said:

 

 

 

 

For the record.... I'd rather pay the lawyers, fines, do the time, and have a record for beating the ever living crap out of a criminal before I'd roll over and do nothing. Don't steal from me or mine and there will be no problems.

It is going to come to that where we will have vigilantism because the police and district attorneys won't do anything. What choice do the victims have other than that.

[Andyba20]

Anarchy is right around the corner. Ive said it before, the worst day of my life will be if I ever have to use my firearm on another person, but criminals are emboldened right now. The media has made police the bad guys, and true patriots are now white nationalists. I don’t live a day of my life scared of the anarchists and the crazies…im always prepared to defend my family and any other innocent person I can from these lawless worms that are invading our country. Pray for our country, and be prepared. And remember, there are 10’s of millions of great Americans just like the guys in this forum all over the country.

[JAG1]

11 hours ago, Andyba20 said:

Anarchy is right around the corner. Ive said it before, the worst day of my life will be if I ever have to use my firearm on another person, but criminals are emboldened right now. The media has made police the bad guys, and true patriots are now white nationalists. I don’t live a day of my life scared of the anarchists and the crazies…im always prepared to defend my family and any other innocent person I can from these lawless worms that are invading our country. Pray for our country, and be prepared. And remember, there are 10’s of millions of great Americans just like the guys in this forum all over the country.

Yep this country is going to turn into a garbage bin very soon and the officials in charge don't want to do anything, like lazy bums but, they want their pay that's higher than private sector and retirement filled with great benefits. Now when you want service from them, try getting a permit without some kind of horse pucky thrown at you. They literally enjoy putting the screws to you. As if the homeless are a concern but, charge $14,000 for permits on a starter home without a garage.

 

I don't know about you guys but, I feel many things in the world are running toward the foretold times and whoever believes should pray and build their faith over the amazing uncanny accuracy of the things written about them. Absolutely nothing against those who do not believe... there's not one member here I do not appreciate. That's a fact

 

@wil440those are scary unheard of price increases you mentioned.

Edited May 5, 2022 by JAG1

[wil440]

1 hour ago, JAG1 said:

those are scary unheard of price increases you mentioned.

Just been watching the news... inflation expected to be 10% here this year and of course the stupid Bank of England just raised interest rates today to counteract inflation you'd think these people that are paid a huge amount of money for doing diddly would realise people spending money is not driving inflation at the moment but hey lets make inflation worse by increasing interest rates.

I'm glad I own no one nothing

[Stanley]

On 5/4/2022 at 8:40 AM, W-T said:

I too agree with much of what has been posted here however; fee wise, this site being what it is requires .27 cents per day. That's nothing compared to much of the necessities we all pony-up for our daily lives. Heck, I spent $3 on beer just yesterday and that's a total of $1095 per year!

 

@LorenSright, many talented individuals are missing in action but, occasionally they do pop up on this site when subject matter has merit and the skill set of the individual is warranted. They all know, as do we, their contribution is always of interest.

 

TDR is the big player and I was a quiet member back in 2001 when I first joined up. Being this was my first diesel rig, I wished to glean knowledge and the control aspects were just being pioneered most notably by Marco in Italy, playing with ECU's  and the initial development of the Smarty's. I found it to be an excellent starting point.

 

Yeah...TDR has a massive presence however; when it comes to real nuts-and-bolts of the 2nd Gen's, Mike Nelson blew them away. It's easy to see when you page through a few of the other sites and observe the buffoonery...who can roll-coal to put the lights out or the infamous "tin foil hat brigrade" looking to solve electronic faux-pas issues. Truly, M1973M has merit and general qualities for the discriminating and practically-minded Diesel enthusiast.

 

Further more, seriously... the 2nd Gen platform is the "Cult status" platform! Yeah, I know there are lots of guys with 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen rigs that have modern notable advancements but, why is it when I'm out and about with my 2nd Gen that invariably one of the aforementioned platform owners offers to "swap" trucks with me? Yep, I just laugh it off and tease them with it, "Sucks to be you". I'll never relinquish this rig...she's pretty compared to the bulbous-fat looking later models and as Nelson and other knowledgeable individuals know...working on a 2nd Gen is a pleasure. Re-Gen...what the hell is that?, oh gosh, don't forget the Blue DEF crap...boy am I glad I don't have to deal with that.

 

Let this site remain FOCUSED...dump the silly herbal medicine (stone-able) $hit and get back to business. Pay attention to the technical functionality of the site and 27 cents a day is not too much to pay for what this site has brought in the realm of notable technical excellence. As time progresses, all vehicular platforms that are worthy, eventually become the most desirable in regard to nobility...the same goes for web-site nobility.

 

@KATOOM, @Haggar, @pepsi71ocean just to mention a few, are always interesting contributors and lately, observing the banter between @wil440 and @Tractorman  has been quite enlightening and I find it intellectually stimulating.

 

Why is there a lull in activity? Gosh, let me guess...the political garbage of the present regime in power? What bathroom does your kid need to use at school, what anti-American organization wants to burn your city offices to the ground, what minority is offended by the vehicle you drive? Damn it! there is so much crap going on, I believe the average individual is depressed to the point of mindless mediocrity. It's a nation wide and world wide sickness that's overtaken the hearts and minds of so many people and we've lost the sense of enjoyable fun.

 

Let's hold on guys and gals...we are just a bunch of blue-collar-butt-cracks enjoying what "we" find of interest and it's that mutual interest and respect that allows longevity in the pursuit of happiness. In time, perhaps membership will grow and yearly fees might subside however; let's not forget what we do have on this site compared to the "other" sites.

 

I should apologize for my caffeine fueled rant...I don't know what has taken me over this morning but, for all the terrible things that have come our way in the last 16 months, let's try and support what little joy each of us can eek-out for another day.

 

BTW...sure miss @dripley

 

Respectfully

W-T     

 

 

 

       

 

Well that just sums it up right there. 

[Mopar1973Man]

There is more to come... im not going to release my news till things are right. I'm going full meal deal for the website and my business. There is a lot I want to say but it's too early to release the info yet. Be patient and very soon things are going to change more.

[JAG1]

I texted Dripley yesterday morning with a somewhat lengthy text saying that many folks are still missing him. He used to always get back to me right away but, nothing has come back this time.

 

      I talked with my neighbor next door, last weekend and sometime between then and yesterday he passed away. Many were trying to get a hold of him during this time. I want to say life changes so fast. So after finding this out I am thinking about Dripley too and hope it isn't that Dripley got very sick and doesn't want to  us feel bad about it. I know he smoked. I am hoping however, that he won the lottery and is busy doing all the things he never did before and will have time for us later when he gets tired of the Hula girls and the Ferrari. Think positive right?!

 

A learned lesson from my neighbor... make sure you always have a cell phone ( neighbor only had a landline), That your sons and/or daughters have a house key, police aren't allowed to break in even for a safety check. That your best friends, ones that call you lots also have your son and daughter's cell phone number as we had no way to contact the family when we suspected a possible emergency.

Edited May 8, 2022 by JAG1