Classic Winnebago's Site BEWARE...

[poppatello]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. Do not pay for membership for the Classic Winniebago site. The members are rude and not very helpful. I don't mind the kicking from the site, but keeping the membership money is illegal and I plan to investigate this. However, check the site out AT YOUR OWN RISK for at least a month or more before paying for membership. Check out the forum and work it before you spend your money. It is a waste of time and money. Not the friendliest search engine either where they expect you to search the entire forum before asking a question. Here is an example. I was looking for a way to repair my poly gas tank that was just installed. I searched for the following. Poly Gas Tank Repair, Gas Tank Repair, Fuel Tank Repair, Repairing Poly Gas Tank. After about an hour of searching through mostly 4 years or more old threads I figured no one had an issue with a poly tank yet. So I posted a message knowing I was going to get attacked. I simply said I had the repair place install a 50 Gal. poly tank that seems to be over tighting. It split @ the seam. Is there a way to repair it without removing the tank? I know NAPA sells some type of JB weld but would this stuff react to gas vapors? If I missed a thread on this could someone post a link for me or give me some advice on the repair.

The host then replied;

YES, there is a post on this. There is a link there. Look for it.

I replied;

I did a search and found no info on what I was looking for. All I found was a few post that was about 7 years old. Maybe you guys should update your search engine so it would be easier to use. I don't want to spend a half hour every time I have a question trying to figure out what the topic maybe. One little miss spelling or another and you may not get any results or thrown way off your topic. We should be able to post a new thread if we don't see what we are looking for after two or three pages. New products may have been made since the stone ages.

As you can see, I did get a little ticked off since this is the fourth nasty replied from a forum host. I even searched the internet and did not find what I was looking for. This is why people join a forum. I have been watching that site and it's more of a social site then an RV repair/help forum. Now I understand why there were so many past member threads on that forum. I even paid for some downloads of repair manuals that I couldn't open because I had to buy extra downloads to open it. Also even if I could, I can no longer access them since they are tied to the site. I can not see how any of this is legal. I will check into and and I just wanted to pass on the warning...

[Peter_Crowl]

It's too bad really. I was on the original MSN forum and it was good.

I also found the moderation at that site to be onerous. I moderate the largest classic fiberglass boat site - FiberGlassics® - fiberglassics.com - on the web with way over 3,000 members and while it's necessary to mod the occasional post neither I nor the other moderators would ever conduct ourselves in such a manner.

I don't understand why he doesn't just require that all questions go to him so he can word the post the way he wants it as opposed to going through the charade of people posting their messages only to have him change it in the name of "Organization". All you have to do is monitor the Chat Box if you want to know what the prevailing attitude is there. I thought it was hilarious when the chat was about their rallys. Seems the same people are there every time. No doubt.

I paid my $5 and got my monies worth. I stop in and check for any good information that might appear. While I did recently post a Wanted ad in the classifieds I won't post in the forums. If I have anything to say to a poster I do it in PM.

Just look at the number of people who actually post. The same 15?

I will give him props for having an emergency fund to help stranded members.

There are too many other good places to be - here for instance :~)

Peter
in Denver

[poppatello]

Thanks Peter for the reply and understanding. You are correct that this is a great site. It's a shame though. That site has lots of great information that they just don't seem to want to share with the rest of the world. My biggest beef is the fact that I paid 16 dollars for online service manuals that I lose once removed from membership. I asked for a refund and the host refused. I don't see how that is legal. Further more I don't see how he or the site has a right to sell copy right material. I have started letters and phone calls on this matter and I've gotten some pretty good response. I am also happy to say that my bank refunded the money and paypal isn't happy about it...

[monarchman53]

I am relatively new to MH ownership, but I have done 2+ yrs. of research on the web and I have realized a definite difference in attitude from site to site. People will be people, but I have found some sites to be rude and unfriendly. When I found this site I was pleasantly suprised at how friendly (user and personal) it is. I have asked some really dumb questions without looking at former theads and never have I got yelled at for it! Now I use a lot more discretion, but as a newbie I have never felt like I was treated badly or unfairly. Now it's the only site I frequent with technical questions.
Thanks for the heads up about the cw site. I don't think I will bother with it!
Rod

[Peter_Crowl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by monarchman53 I am relatively new to MH ownership, but I have done 2+ yrs. of research on the web and I have realized a definite difference in attitude from site to site. People will be people, but I have found some sites to be rude and unfriendly. When I found this site I was pleasantly suprised at how friendly (user and personal) it is. I have asked some really dumb questions without looking at former theads and never have I got yelled at for it! Now I use a lot more discretion, but as a newbie I have never felt like I was treated badly or unfairly. Now it's the only site I frequent with technical questions. Thanks for the heads up about the cw site. I don't think I will bother with it! Rod

I'd modify that...

CW is a good site for support if you're running an early Winnie. You can find a lot in the forum threads. Go through it...pick out what you can use.
The $5 to access the library isn't really a bad deal.
I found the ambience not to my liking. Others might be ok with it.

[Brian S]

I had problems over there too. When you join the forum there is a stiff warning about searching the fourm etc. before posting. You are also not allowed to post pictures in the general forum area unless they are repair related. They do have a seperate area for posting pictures but you have to host the pictures yourself. No problem there as I understand about bandwidth and storage, but picture posting is fully enabled. Why tell you not to do something, then give you the ability to do it?

My first post I posted 2 pictures of my rig and made the mistake of asking a question about transmission repairs. The moderator flew in on his broomstick, deleted the pictures and modified my post to remove any reference to the transmission repair. OK about the pictures. Those are the rules. But why give access to picture posting at all if you are going to be that way about it. The transmission repair question, in the wrong area of course so it had to be deleted. What was left was a poorly edited version of what I originally posted.

Here is how it works there. Say you have a question about the steering, brakes and transmission. You have to post it in three different areas or risk having your post deleted. I got very discusted with things fast. You can't count how many posts begin with "I hope this is in the right area." It had better be or it will be revised by the moderator or removed, and the guy is everywhere. He must be retired to have so much time on his hands.

The $5 entry fee to get into the techical area and download various repair manuals and articles is well worth the price. But the heavy moderation is just way over the top and not worth the hassle of posting. In one instance, the moderator even went so far as to dictate to me what I should post. He wanted me to correct a couple of issues he had with my "Unhappy with Membership" post.

Brian

[poppatello]

Well let me point out my main phrase when I say "check it out for yourself before you pay". It is a great place for information if you know where to find it without asking. The 5 dollar fee doesn't give you everything which is why I paid the extra 16 dollars to get a complete service manual and break down manual. You are correct to say that you always wonder if your posting a correct thread or are you breaking a rule. As I advised the host, they should do something about the search engine as it is way to complicated. If you get just one letter incorrect it will bring back no results. I'm not much of a great speller and this got way to frustrating for me. I asked why we couldn't post a new thread if the question we seek isn't on at least the first few pages. It really only takes one page as if you make it to page two those threads would be at least three years old or more. I then stated that new ideas, parts or tricks may have been thought of since then. That is when I got removed as I guess he thought I was challenging him. Like I also stated, that site is more of a social club for the most part and if your not good friends with them don't bother them.

What I would do is use that sight for the info. Don't bother with posting and bring that info back here if needed. This place is one of the best site yet and after another month of nice response I plan to donate and become a full flesh member. That other site has made me gun shy...

[Brian S]

There must be a bit more to it than that if you got banned. I called the guy out in the forum with my Unhappy With Membership post. Even asked for a refund and to be banned. We had several lengthy discussions via private messages regarding his moderation style. I'm still a member. It is not a fun place to hang out though. More like get what you came for and get the hell out.

Brian

[poppatello]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian S There must be a bit more to it than that if you got banned. I called the guy out in the forum with my Unhappy With Membership post. Even asked for a refund and to be banned. We had several lengthy discussions via private messages regarding his moderation style. I'm still a member. It is not a fun place to hang out though. More like get what you came for and get the hell out. Brian

Brian, my top post is exactly what I posted word for word. There was no emails or discusses. I can't even email anyone from the site. What more can I say???

[Brian S]

Hey, wasn't implying that you are full of it. I really wouldn't be suprised given the treatment I received there.

Brian

[bwd111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppatello Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. Do not pay for membership for the Classic Winniebago site. The members are rude and not very helpful. I don't mind the kicking from the site, but keeping the membership money is illegal and I plan to investigate this. However, check the site out AT YOUR OWN RISK for at least a month or more before paying for membership. Check out the forum and work it before you spend your money. It is a waste of time and money. Not the friendliest search engine either where they expect you to search the entire forum before asking a question. Here is an example. I was looking for a way to repair my poly gas tank that was just installed. I searched for the following. Poly Gas Tank Repair, Gas Tank Repair, Fuel Tank Repair, Repairing Poly Gas Tank. After about an hour of searching through mostly 4 years or more old threads I figured no one had an issue with a poly tank yet. So I posted a message knowing I was going to get attacked. I simply said I had the repair place install a 50 Gal. poly tank that seems to be over tighting. It split @ the seam. Is there a way to repair it without removing the tank? I know NAPA sells some type of JB weld but would this stuff react to gas vapors? If I missed a thread on this could someone post a link for me or give me some advice on the repair. The host then replied; YES, there is a post on this. There is a link there. Look for it. I replied; I did a search and found no info on what I was looking for. All I found was a few post that was about 7 years old. Maybe you guys should update your search engine so it would be easier to use. I don't want to spend a half hour every time I have a question trying to figure out what the topic maybe. One little miss spelling or another and you may not get any results or thrown way off your topic. We should be able to post a new thread if we don't see what we are looking for after two or three pages. New products may have been made since the stone ages. As you can see, I did get a little ticked off since this is the fourth nasty replied from a forum host. I even searched the internet and did not find what I was looking for. This is why people join a forum. I have been watching that site and it's more of a social site then an RV repair/help forum. Now I understand why there were so many past member threads on that forum. I even paid for some downloads of repair manuals that I couldn't open because I had to buy extra downloads to open it. Also even if I could, I can no longer access them since they are tied to the site. I can not see how any of this is legal. I will check into and and I just wanted to pass on the warning...

I agree as well! I was on that fourm and the adminstrator has a power quest! He was a total jerk cause I didnt use the search first which I did and was scolded . He was presistant that I pay for a membership to get some manuals I found on ebay for less. The host of the forum is a total hack! He sealed a roof on a rv using tape a elemers glue! What an idiot and 90% of the repair advice is a joke. ADVOID THAT SITE AND DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY. lOOK AT ALL THE PIROR MEMBERS.