The ultimate identity theft?

[Viperfreak2]

Seems lately that we have a few 'newbies' in the forums that do not act like Viper owners. I don't want to point fingers, but there have many, many posts by people who can't spell, can't punctuate, ask questions only morons would ask, then insult people who tell them the truth.

Can you imagine some of these people in a board room explaining a project to a group of directors and VP's?

Anyway, if I was a kid and wanted a Viper REAL bad, I might pretend to own one and do all the techno stuff necessary to fool everyone.

Viper owner identity theft, kid that mommy and/or daddy gave them everything, or young drug dealers? I dunno I guess it 'could' be successful younguns....
I just get so impatient with the rudeness and grammar.

I guess just like anything else on the internet, you never really know who your talking (typing) to.

 

[jwwiii]

Viperfreak2;

Couldn't agree more with you!

It would be great to have a couple of "filters" to go through to be able to post. Like, being a dues-paying VCA member and/or posting your VIN #.

I don't think that would be too unreasonable to ask, do you?

We have some very cool (and educated) younger members who are educated and enthusiastic; I would hate for them not to be able to post. So what is the best way to handle the poo stirrer's?

Jim W.

 

[MAVERICK]

I think this is hard to regulate and the posers can be easily outed by other members.... it would be nice to know if someone is truly a Viper owner and I thought that by inputing the VIN number that this process separated owners from non-owners?

 

[FLYNLO]

I will be officially joining the VCA within the next couple of days (giving a check to our region leader). The only reason I have not posted my VIN on this site to "prove" that I am a Viper owner is because it is somewhat scary knowing that someone out there can monitor what you do and possibly reject warranty issues based on things you have posted about your vehicle. I am not the only one who seems to feel this way, however, as there are far more than a few reputable people who definitely own Vipers, yet do not feel the need to give their VIN number in order to prove that they own one. If there was a way that I could have absolute confidentiality, then I would not have a problem posting my VIN, however, I do not feel this is the case at the moment.

 

[vipersrt10]

the people that moderate this board wouldnt let me join unless I gave them my VIN number, like its some heralded miracle to have a Viper

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Interesting thoughts and certainly VERY valid. I would first point out to FLYNLO that his "credentials" were never in question. It is when someone comes on the boards with general lack of understanding of the English language (spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) and is based here in the US. Add to that the very real challenge of tact, which some people lack. Generally speaking, an SRT-10 - especially a brand new one, is not cheap. Indeed, if you dropped say, $95,000 on said SRT it would imply that you have a fairly high income and to attain said income usually requires brains, some mastery of your native language, and tact.

But not always. This is certainly no insult to the poster in question, but there are a lot of "successful" people out there with barely more than a grade school education. Some of those same people are terrible at writing letters or speaking in public. I know a guy that is VERY, very well off and he can barely write a sentence correctly and is perhaps one of the most insensitive people I have ever met in my life. Nice enough guy as a whole, but can easily insult anybody without even thinking about it. Largely because he doesn't.

The other issue is of who can or cannot post. Obviously we encourage everyone to post, with only a handful of exceptions. However, nobody wants a "poser" that is pretending to own a Viper and doesn't. Especially when that same person is insulting the Viper more than praising it - intentional or not. Throw in some insults to the hardworking folks on this forum that we KNOW own a Viper, and it can really piss people off - and inspire posts like this. Especially when there is serious doubt as to whether that person even owns a Viper.

That said, I can tell you with 100% certainty that the person in question is EXACTLY who he says he is, owns the car he says he does, and bought it just as he represented (checked DC records). VIN verified and everything. Everybody knows that I was one of the more serious doubters (read the "water leak" thread), and those doubts have since been laid to rest.

Of course just because somebody owns a Viper doesn't make them eloquent, polite, or even understanding. It is a diverse community indeed. By choosing who you want to reply to (or not), others will come to understand how best to get replies on their questions. Poking them with a sharp stick will get other results, many of which we have already seen. Me? I am pretending those previous posts never happened and will see what goes from here.

Chris

PS. His car actually shows a "repair" claim in the system two months prior to being sold. Could have been something as simple as a burned out light. Or perhaps there really is an issue besides tact...

 

[Y2K5SRT]

the people that moderate this board wouldnt let me join unless I gave them my VIN number, likes it some heralded miracle to have a Viper

Incorrect. You can't be listed as a Viper owner or VCA member without a VIN. Anybody can and does register on these forums, whether they own a Viper or an AMC Gremlin. They also discourage user ID's that imply Viper ownership when they don't actually own one. Simple enough.

 

[Skip White]

I can't spell worth a damm, nor can I punctuate. It's sort of embarrasing. I wouldn't use that as a guidline. Sounds like your using that as a measuring stick of ones credibility. Most men can't spell properly. I use spellcheck most of the time, but I don't waste the time, as I feel comfortable here.

And I'm with FLYNLO on the vin # privacy.

Far as the identity theft you are talking about coming from a spoiled brat, or possible drug dealer, I think your way off base there. I'd hope thats the worst my 16 year old would do. If we had an anoying amount of this going on, I would understand your post, but we really don't.

Skip White

 

[GR8_ASP]

Chris - great comments as always. You ARE the official ambassador. Thanks.

In one of the posts I put in the following response. There has not yet been a comment or rebuttal so I have no idea how it has or will be taken. But I can add that some other forum members had a rough start here but have become very active and effective members. So the poor start can be overcome.

This is what I posted on the 1/4 mile thread:
Making everyone here dislike you is not a proactive means of seeking information. This is like a community. You can't come here and call everyone names and then ask the very same people to help. I think you may find that a nice, friendly approach is more effective. Or you can continue with your brute type approach and get zero answers to any inquiries. Your choice.

BTW you may find that the average Viper owner is well educated, economically above average and prone to be less accepting of poor grammar, spelling and the like. Allanlambo's comment was spot on. When you cannot spell or use basic punctuation you are conveying an uneducated image. That image here will not get you very far. Take some time. Use a capital to start a sentence and a period to end one. Use spell check if you are a poor typist (giving you the benefit of the doubt here). And do not use abbreviations that are ghetto-like.

By no means are infrequent spelling or grammatical errors taboo. We all make them. But there is a huge difference between occasional errors and consistently poor grammar and spelling. And coupled with a poor attitude will get someone nowhere.

 

[FLYNLO]

Yes, Viper_SRT, I know exactly who you speak of. As a matter of fact, i believe I actually replied to that actual thread. Of course, those are the type of people we don't need on this forum. There have been more than a few occurences of this type. I believe it should be up to the moderator to edit or perhaps even delete such a thread. Additionally, these people should be suspended from the forums until they can get their act together. In my opinion, this seems to be one of the only solutions.

 

[vipersrt10]

I have a masters in english, i double majored in english and bio, with a philosophy minor, Im so sick of punctuating and spell checking, who cares about that? you know what the person is saying, thats all that needs to be. if you want to correct grammar, be a teacher

 

[Eagle]

I couldn't agree more.

 

[nazology]

Hey now! Im a young guy, I guess id be considered a "kid". I still love you all Regardless of any forum your on theres always going to be those "trolls" or whatever you want to call them, if something like that happens I always just ignore it and depend on the moderators to do their jobs and prevent that person from posting, or taking other action. I cant spell half the time, specifically on weekends, Patron tequila will do that to you. Cheers! haha

 

[98viperGTS]

Well, at least one thing has come out of all this. Many many many posts that have been like a small reality TV drama. I have not condoned the attitude the person in question has given, but overall he has brought the true viper people a little closer, and It has been fun to watch the show unfold.

 

[Viperfreak2]

It can be fun. It can also turn ugly and off-topic REAL quick. EXECSMELIPU was fun for a while, so was Barb.

I'm not complaining so much about the grammer as the attitude. I guess to some, it makes sense to take a Viper to a 'touchless' car wash. When most of us say don't do that to any convertible, an intelligent person should listen and respond kindly. Not insult us in endless run-on sentences!

 

[VIPERMIKE]

I'm a terrible speller as well, and young(29). I worked my ass off to own both my Vipers, I couldn't agree more with Skip. I also can't stand posers, especially people who have bad things to say about something they can only dream of owning..

 

[Frank 03SRT]

I have a masters in english, i double majored in english and bio, with a philosophy minor, Im so sick of punctuating and spell checking, who cares about that? you know what the person is saying, thats all that needs to be. if you want to correct grammar, be a teacher

I respectively disagree. Using the internet or any other form of written communication is much enhanced if the correct words, punctuation, and spelling are utilized. Isn't that what communication is all about --- trying to make your ideas as clear as possible so that someone else can see your meaning? Why make it harder on the reader, assuming they can understand the proper use of the English language in the first place, by writing a jumbled mess? It just takes the reader that much more time to understand. Understandably, the English language has many quirks in it, but most of us can at least attempt to write it right, so that our intended audience has it easier. Otherwise, why even try?

With all respect, you wouldn't go out in public with a bugger on your nose, because you want to be presentable. Same for writing, in my humble opinion.

 

[womsterr]

Look out!!!!!!

It appears my 3rd grade English teach, Mrs. Crumudgeon, is now a Viper owner...

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

AN official statement follows:

I review each and every registration, and I can assure you that there are MANY who get refused, or they get a note. I'll let you know what guidlines I use, have used for MANY years, and will continue to use.

DISPLAY NAMES: ANY display name that implies/infers Viper Ownership MUST be accompanied by a Viper VIN. It clearly sates this on the registration page:

Display Name (between 4 and 32 characters alphanumeric only). This can be changed.
Display names that imply/infer Viper Ownership are reserved for Viper Owners and are subject to verification which could delay account activation. To expedite, be sure to enter your Viper VIN and/or VCA Member number below.

Typically, I will e-mail the person and explain, I will advise them they do NOT have to enter it in their profile if they do not want to, but I have to have it. A couple points....it is NOT viewable to "the world", and I do absolutely nothing with the ones I do get. At one point our users got tired of answering questions by people "posing" as owners (not to be confused with owners...posing). Enter a VIN, title says "Viper Owner" (or, it should...if yours does not, let ME know!!).

Enter a VCA Member number and the title reflects THAT (which automatically implies, and usually confirms, ownership). I also throw the switch for access to other forum(s) and entry into the drawings.

While I try to be as polite as possible, I ALWAYS love the people who refuse to enter the VIN. I cannot fathom the reason why, even AFTER I explain the logic behind it, and the fact that it goes absolutely nowhere! Nobdoy tracks what you post, whether you are a Viper owner, or VCA Member....at least nobody that I know. Ask ANY of the 2-3 people who possibly asked my for even someone's e-mail address! if it wasn't "viewable" in their profile....I don't give it out.

Is it 100% perfect? Nope, but the attempt is there to make it so people have a pretty good idea who they are dealing with, and it works well. That is the only goal. I have seen the process get frustrating for some, and I have apologized that they must go through it all....all because some pimple-popping-teenagers once decided to play little games here.

 

[FLYNLO]

Understood Vipermad, unfortunately, I did not know at the time of registration what entering my VIN number did in the first place. I have never had to enter my VIN number at another web forum to demonstrate Viper ownership. This is fine. One thing however, it does make me feel somewhat more comfortable reading your post. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[pauljkopick]

dats god idear IFin thy kant spel god dthen ko poosts onn dthis her plac.

 

[Gerald]

Seems lately that we have a few 'newbies' in the forums that do not act like Viper owners. I don't want to point fingers, but there have many, many posts by people who can't spell, can't punctuate, ask questions only morons would ask, then insult people who tell them the truth.

Can you imagine some of these people in a board room explaining a project to a group of directors and VP's?

Anyway, if I was a kid and wanted a Viper REAL bad, I might pretend to own one and do all the techno stuff necessary to fool everyone.

Viper owner identity theft, kid that mommy and/or daddy gave them everything, or young drug dealers? I dunno I guess it 'could' be successful younguns....
I just get so impatient with the rudeness and grammar.

I guess just like anything else on the internet, you never really know who your talking (typing) to.

Could you imagine a grown man worrying about spelling on the internet? Get a hobby will ya?

Worrying about the success of others only to put down those that aren't so they can be in your howdy doody club. You're the classic example of what I don't want to be when I get old and grumpy..

G

 

[Viperfreak2]

I'm still in my 30's, I have a hobby or two, I am am the last person who cares about golf, yacht clubs, tea dances, or impressing people. I can be grumpy, but I'd rather call it a mood swing!

I do care about the 16 year old kid down my street who wanted to use my VIN number to join the VCA and pretend he was me.

With the VIN, and kid can post all day about oil leaks, water leaks, 1/4 mile times...etc. and then say LOOK I really do own a Viper at my age! ***** ***** boo boo!

As for agrown manworry about speling onda intranet eyedont unerstand HOW this couldbe annoyingggg. HOW ABOUT IF I TYPED IN CAPS ALL THE TIME????

 

[Vintage Racer]

The "quality" of posters is worth policing, but, as pointed out, is difficult to do. I watched the forum for Victory Lane magazine get hijacked by **** freaks, posers, wackos and internet slobs. This was a well respected gathering place for vintage race car owners to exchange technical information and racing experiences. The owners chose to shut it down rather than contiue to provide a home for internet trash.

What I've seen on this site pales in comparison to some of the trash that accumulates on other forums. Hats off to the moderators who keep things focused and appropriate.

 

[DSR207]

Quote:

"As for agrown manworry about speling onda intranet eyedont unerstand HOW this couldbe annoyingggg. HOW ABOUT IF I TYPED IN CAPS ALL THE TIME???? "'

..........................................................

Just ignore what you don't like...

 

[Mastiff]

I have enough to worry about on a day to day basis. As long as I can figure out what people are trying to say, I could care less about their grammar skills. If someone bothers you, ignore em.

 

[BobK898]

Quote


I guess just like anything else on the internet, you never really know who your talking (typing) to.


[/QUOTE]



We all make mistakes, no reason to bury a person. BTW the use of the word "your" in your first post is incorrect, it should be "you're". See?

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I think the point wasn't so much to insult those that haven't perfected the English language (seemingly any of us), but to **** out the imposters. Short of the rare idiot that talks about his 1991 RT/10 or his SRT Viper with the auto tranny, the way that the person writes is usually the only clue you have as to whether they are really a Viper owner or just a kid trying to get a rise out of us. As has been correctly pointed out, the quality and style of writing does not the person make.

As for me, I have to get back to Mrs. Fishburn's class. My mom will kill me if she gets another call from one of my teachers...

 

[Viperfreak2]

We all make mistakes. You're correct BobK. The point was:

There is a big difference between the occasional slip and the stupid.

Maybe I shouldn't 'bury' the young ones. Maybe they'll learn on their own.

I could ignore them, but who could ignore this:

Ron, unlike the avarge, Quote : ( viper owner ) unquote, I have worked for my as. off for every thing i have , it was not handed to me like quote ( most viper owners ) unquote and unlike quote ( most viper owners ) unquote i do not spell or type well but everything i have i deserve except one thing thats all your quote ( viper owners ) unquote bullsh.. about my spelling and gramer .I DO OWN EVERYTHING I SAID I DO AND COULD CARE LESS WHAT THE AVARAGE VIPER OWNER THINKS.........Thank You for your suggistions though

LOL. I think that says it all.

 

[BobK898]

LOL, I'll have to agree that is pretty mangled, and a little frightening.