Dave is a good guy, and knowledgeable. He was never afraid to express controversial opinions and that was his way,. Apparently he didn't take well to any disagreements with what he was posting but on any forum you're going to have that. I look at civil disagreements as being good as it can bring up and lead to a variety of new ideas but not everybody sees it that way.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Oh absolutely. I’ve been to the cave countless times during the course of my brake shenanigans. A goldmine of fiero information. He even chimed in on a few of my early posts.
I have a probably very unpopular opinion about the whole situation leading up to his departure (from reading that post Patrick linked alone), so I’ll keep that to myself…
[This message has been edited by Doggo (edited 05-09-2025).]
I have a probably very unpopular opinion about the whole situation leading up to his departure (from reading that post Patrick linked alone), so I’ll keep that to myself…
We all have our own experiences to draw from when forming opinions. I defended the Ogre plenty of times in the past when members teed off on him after not appreciating his comments. However, the Ogre crossed the line this time with his tirade directed at Cliff Pennock. It was, IMO, absolutely uncalled for.
And not just toward me - but toward everyone who showed genuine concern for his well-being.
This forum has always been like a big, slightly dysfunctional family. We may argue, we may disagree, but when someone with known health issues who used to post daily suddenly vanishes, of course we check in. That's what people do when they care. That's what this community is built on.
But instead of a simple "thanks" or a polite "I just needed time away", we got hostility. He threatened the kind person who checked up on him with the police. Then he came back here and went on a tirade, insulting nearly everyone who didn’t measure up to his personal standards - especially newcomers and anyone with a fresh take or new idea.
He had become increasingly bitter, condescending, and arrogant. He treated the forum as if it were his, disregarding the fact that others - myself included - have put in enormous time, energy, and money to keep it alive. I introduced unobtrusive ads just to help offset costs and keep the forum free for everyone, and he turned around and told people to block them. Called it a "security risk". He even accused me of doing things just for money, as if I haven't been running this place at a loss for years out of love for the community.
And the worst part? Because of the reputation he had, people listened. Some actually got angry at me for placing a few small ads on a free forum I've maintained for over two decades - because he sowed that paranoia.
He resisted every improvement: image hosting, quality-of-life features, harmless holiday effects, even basic modernization. To him, anything newer than 2000 was a threat. And if you dared question him, he'd belittle you or drive you off.
So no - personally, I don't miss him. He went from being a friendly, respected contributor (whom I actually considered a friend) to a gatekeeping presence that stifled growth and poisoned the atmosphere. If he chooses to never return, that's fine by me.
Cliff, if what you say is true (which I have no reason to believe it isn’t) then it does sound like the forum may be a better place without him. Thanks for more context.
This is not only about the "teacher" alone; "students" have a role to play too!
Unfortunately, some students / members do not have any curiosity to learn but rather 'push back' instead with arrogance, which can make the teacher/student situation 'ugly'.
------------------ Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles
I think it's important to mention that he "changed" at some point. The guy had a stroke several years back. Sometimes people recover from a stroke, sometimes they don't fully... and in Ogre's case, it unfortunately changed his personality and he was rather bitter and angry.
When I would deal with Ogre, I just tried to keep that in mind when I would respond to him, and I mostly ignored anything negative he said because I reminded myself that that's not how he would really be.
But I guess he just got pissed and left. There is a lot of really good stuff on there in his cave... he put a lot of effort into recording all of that stuff.
I think it's important to mention that he "changed" at some point. The guy had a stroke several years back. Sometimes people recover from a stroke, sometimes they don't fully... and in Ogre's case, it unfortunately changed his personality and he was rather bitter and angry.
When I would deal with Ogre, I just tried to keep that in mind when I would respond to him, and I mostly ignored anything negative he said because I reminded myself that that's not how he would really be.
But I guess he just got pissed and left. There is a lot of really good stuff on there in his cave... he put a lot of effort into recording all of that stuff.
i think the cave has been sealed.my link doesn't work anymore.
[This message has been edited by richard in nc (edited 05-15-2025).]
Basically, anything that wasn't "stock" was "suspect". I got tired of hearing it. He was a wealth of knowledge, but his arrogance outweighed that knowledge, IMHO. I still wish him well, but I don't miss all the derision that was leveled at some of our members - especially vendors (among others).
quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: Check back in three days... (sorry, that's a Catholic joke)
Love it! (Hey... it's okay to pick on your own.)
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 05-15-2025).]
