I’ve recently been reading through a few old posts relating to my car from over the years, and I’ve noticed a few of the names I don’t see any more and, sometimes, funny / informative posts I still remember well. This got me thinking: how much has all this influenced me in the 13 years I’ve been on here?

For a start, tearing about in this car and posting up the stories in the Coupé vs…. section sure got me interested in performance data. Not understanding what those numbers really meant is what got me interested in using Excel. Spreadsheets made it possible for me to understand which cars were fast and where, and Excel has since been a huge part of every job I’ve had since – I’m fairly good at using it to solve most problems or provide clarity on where performance is poor at work.

I’m also asked to proof read documents and, considering how bad my English was in my earlier posts, I’d say that the threads on that subject (recent one included) certainly gave me an interest in learning to write correctly.

These two things for a start have been drivers in leading me into a career in Quality Management and that, in turn, has determined the people I’ve met in subsequent jobs.

It’s obvious that we are all defined by our experiences but I’m wondering if anyone else can think of ways in which this peachy coloured screen has influenced their lives?

The forum hasn't had any influence in my life at all, nope, I can't think of anything

No me neither, never heard of it

Demideified me, apparently!

Its both a record of how I have matured, and how I haven't in many ways

It hasn't ... I just like posting pictures

It's a bit early to say as I am a newbie, but as this is actually the first online forum I have joined let alone posted to there is already some difference.

I think I am a bit too old and set in my ways to be influenced by anything!

I find since I started reading the forum, I have become somewhat oblong and pink.

I think some of us shaped the forum rather than the other way round

It's made me worry a lot less, I think.

There's very little that could happen to my Coupe now, where I would think-

'on no! what on earth!?'

because chances are; support is only a post away- which is very reassuring.
I have owned, and continue to own other vehicles, for which there is no such network or community.

I think (without going slightly off topic) that if you were a newbie, and were considering a car, you may not be aware of the vast infrastructure of knowledge and support available behind the scenes.

and in this respect, if I ever find something out, or read something in 'technical' that I feel I can have a positive effect on- I'll contribute.

so, to answer the core question; I think it has made me a lot more community minded, and I like to look out and see if I can help people- in the way that so many have helped me.

P.S. if we could get the nectar-points scheme attached to the forum, to benefit those who contribute, then it would be ace.

Seeing so many Porto pinko blue coupes has turned me into a
cross-dresser.

come on Tim, it's just provided you with an excuse

Yep - busted

I've had a bit of time thinking about this question & really did not want to come over with a cliche type answer... so, I don't think it has shaped me, but I have to say & I've possibly said before how this love for this car of ours & what it means to fellow members brings out the good in people in so many ways. It's quite extraordinary at times when I've witnessed through this small forum how people have went out of their way to help & advise others in such a variety of instances.

I could prattle on how I've met fellow Coopsters, the craic & the banter is very refreshing to say the least. Oh yes, although my writing skills are far from perfect, I have made an effort in this department over time. Some of my earlier bletherings are indeed a bit embarrassing, perhaps very. I cringe at my schoolboy offerings.

I'm certainly enriched by my time on here, both mechanically & by other discussions of life/loves/hates/dislikes etc, etc, the list goes on. So there we have my wee slice of life as I see it...

My life is richer, because I got to meet you Jimboy!!

Ah Jim, I would like to think that is indeed one of the nicest things anyone on here at least has said to me. Do you really mean that????

It's true!

and four weeks yesterday we shall be in convoy again!- but will I recognise you, in your mystery-wheels...?!

Aye Jim, no long now. Although I'm really looking forward to meeting you again & of course all the other Coopsters, I'm certainly not as high as a kite this year. Last year I honestly can't explain or understand how emotional I was heading out of Beauly leading the Coop convoy on our journey. Looking in my rear view mirror & seeing all those Coops, honestly, I was muttering away to myself...keep it together man....Aye sounds soft, but after meeting everyone & chatting over our lunch the penny dropped, & I understood there & then why forum members meet up. You see, I've been driving a long time but have never been a part of anything like this before.

Working in the oil industry put paid to my social outings to a certain extent. I worked long hours & at times worked away from home. Family time was precious & of course our son took a lot of looking after. I'm making up for lost time though

See you soon Jim & happy trails........

Jim(boy), you're keeping the info on your Tour wheels very close to your chest....

Aye Simon, you're not wrong... I'm sure you will still be able to recognise me when the time comes though......

See you soon

He told me he'd fitted triangular wheels. Apparently there's one less bump than with square ones.

I reckon he's fitted those yellow pointy things. I've still no idea what there meaning might be but perhaps he's cracked some ancient Scottish code and figured out what they are for!

Wheel, you know what chaps, I never get tyred of things that keep going round.......