I don't think I belong here any more. When I first joined Prius Chat in 2004, I was fascinated by my new car. I wanted to learn how it worked, and I wanted to help other people understand it. I was interested in all the ramifications of the car and wanted to encourage others to buy them. From the beginning I participated in off-topic conversations, but my main interest was the car. I learned about it and I helped others learn about it. I believe I contributed in a useful way to the conversation. I've always said that Prius Chat is for people interested in the Prius. And I've always been annoyed by people who have no interest in the car but come to Prius Chat just to quarrel about politics. The Prius's ability to run for short periods on electric got me wanting the EV switch, and then piqued my interest in pure EVs, and finally led to my buying the Zap Xebra SD, which has been my primary car ever since. Suddenly the Prius no longer seemed so wonderful. Sure, it's reliable, and it's the most efficient and cleanest stinker you can buy, but it's still a stinker. That's how I think of it now: My stinker. Where I was once one of the more knowledgeable people about the car, and one of its biggest boosters, now there are plenty of people who know as much as I do about the 2004-2009, and I know nothing about the 2010. What's more, I don't much care. I drive it when I have to go farther than about 35 miles, but I'd much rather be rattling along in my clunky little three-legged clown car. Suddenly I find myself in the same place as the people I used to criticize so harshly: I post almost exclusively in Fred's and I have little if any interest in the Prius. What's worse, most or all of my threads end up deteriorating into grumblig about not having a girlfriend. This has got to be dull for anyone reading, and does me no good at all. I decided to take some time out from Prius Chat a while back to think about all this, and I've come to the conclusion that I really don't belong here any more. I'm not looking for anyone to convince me otherwise or to tell me that I add something to the community. I'm just explaining my disappearance. I'm not quitting in a huff. I'm not angry at anybody. And I haven't been banned. Maybe I'll have something to say some time and I'll post again, or maybe Toyota will come out with a PHEV with enough EV range to appeal to me and I'll be back again with renewed interest in the car. But Prius Chat is for people interested in the Prius, and it has been a long time since that described me. Thank you to Danny and Prius Chat for being here when I needed a place to learn about the car. Best wishes to all. Drive safely.
Daniel, You will be sorely missed... And I sincerely hope you soon find the right "miss." Is there an appointed sucessor for "Emperor of the World?" (Don't you dare... I don't want it. ) Just want you to know that I purchased and read all five volumess in the Temeraire series. A fascinating read combining elements of the Aubrey- Maturin series (Napoleonic naval warfare) and the Sharpes series (Napoleonic land warefare) with a science-fantasy overlay. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and recommend the series. Thank you very much for bringing them to my attention. God bless, and the best always. (Yes, I know; there is no God. ) Ya' all come back now. Ya' hear?
You'll be missed. 11,270 posts and all. "What's worse, most or all of my threads end up deteriorating into grumblig about not having a girlfriend." Stop grumbling about it and I'm sure it'll happen. Remember, relationships are built, not discovered. You have to meet someone in the middle, not expect a perfect match with your own ideals. Good luck to you in 2010. I'm sure you'll check in on us at some point.
Daniel, I am sorry to see your post. I have missed you around here, I value someone willing to disagree with me so vehemently, especially when they can do it so eloquently. I feel that we all grow and change, and it's that process that allows us to add value to each other's lives. The love of an energy efficient car is what brings this group together, but that love is not the only thing each of us has to bring to the table. Rokeby's post is a case in point.
Daniel I, for one, am not going to encourage you to leave... while your positions may not agree with mine on a number of topics, you have provided many meaningful and often witty responses to those you are or are not in agreement with... and that will be this boards loss if it comes to fruition. Now I will say this Bra... you will find the tail you seek... I am confident of that... it's the nature of the beast... and make no mistake, I truly believe they are the beast... but, as you have alluded too, they are an absolutely necessary beast in our lives regardless of the type of beast you choose to be your companion. Perhaps, after the New Years celebration, you'll find the gal that was looking for you all this time... it can happen... but as you mentioned, if you're only looking in here, you may not find her as quickly as you could have, in town, at the market, or the campus, or the concert... good luck Bra.
Daniel, I'm too new here really to know you at all BUT I totally encourage you to do what your heart tells you to do and don't look back with any regrets. Some species probably evolve faster than others- and that may be for individuals as well. I wish you all the benevolance this universe can bestow on any individual in all your future interests and endeavors and truly wish you bon voyage. Robert
I'm sad to hear you're leaving, Daniel. I still consider you part of the community, regardless of what you drive, or even if you drive. I always enjoyed your holiday pictures, especially the hiking ones. If you're still interested in that drive through the Okanagan one summer, you know where to find me. Thanks for sharing part of your life with us, and I wish you all the best. :hug:
Hey Daniel - No worries, mate. I've really eased off of PC myself over the past year or so. I'm in some similar shoes. I still defend the Prius against the idiots, but I came here with the same attitude I still have: The Prius is a great gas car... but it is still a gas car. Supporting gas cars is not what I like to spend my time doing... but I do it when the alternative is supporting idiots who insist that an Expedition is the only way to be safe out on those dangerous roads. I still enjoy PC, and still pipe up when I can add something to the discussion (or just want to hear myself type). I don't think our friendship will change. cheers to you. - Darell
Thank you for all your posting contributions over the years. As for the feeling of disconnect from the new model, you are far from alone. The divide will grow wider over time too. We saw the same thing happen back in 2004. In other words, your effort paid off. It's bittersweet. The next generation has successfully taken over... .
Thanks to everyone for all your good words. Sagebrush: You may be right. I'm not burning any bridges, just explaining why I'm not posting for the present.
Why do people who no long want to post on a forum start a thread on "WHY I DO NOT WANT TO POST ANYMORE"
To give their friends a chance to PM them, get their home contact info, make plans to stay in touch, etc. Also, to eliminate the angst that we get when people just stop posting, without a word (I can think of a couple of posters that I miss, who just vanished without a word...). If I decide to leave PC, I will at least say bye to everyone (and hold on to my friends' contact info).
Good hunting indeed, and let's not forget about safety shall we Bra... Always remember about safety... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you have too, make sure to secure all passengers before departing...
Re: Good hunting indeed, and let's not forget about safety shall we Bra... I would recommend a racing harness.