I was recently talking with a guy who was having a problem with another truck enthusiast online. Because they drove different types of trucks, neither one had anything positive or nice to say about the other. Then by chance they both ended up at the same dyno event and were able to put a face to the avatar. After seeing in person what each had done to their trucks, they both came away with respect for each other as well as a friend out of the experience.
I think it's the face-to-face chats that I like the most about being in this industry. There is just something that draws guys to an open garage door, especially when there is a truck involved in some type of a project or build. Even if a guy lacks any ability to help or contribute, he's still welcome to pull up a bar stool and watch. It's here that everyone seems to get along regardless of the emblem on their truck because no matter where your loyalty lies, you can still respect a guy who has modified his diesel truck in an attempt to make it bulletproof.
Yet something happens to some of these happy-go-lucky individuals when they leave the garage and get behind a computer monitor to jump on a forum. It's almost like you get two different perspectives from the same person when you compare Mr. In Person to Mr. Online.
IN PERSON It's not important what you're driving; it's just great to see the upgrades you've added.
ONLINE Your truck is a piece of junk and a total money pit.
IN PERSON It's great that you rely on your instincts when it comes to your performance chip.
ONLINE You have no clue how to correctly tune your own truck.
IN PERSON You guys are the last of a dying breed of party animals. Keep it up!
ONLINE You hang out with a bunch of drunk losers.
IN PERSON You're not afraid to try different things and look at other engines.
ONLINE You're a sellout for buying from a different truck manufacturer.
IN PERSON It's great that you let your children work with you in the garage and explore on their own.
ONLINE Your kids are out of control and a nuisance to everyone.
IN PERSON You obviously understand the importance of connecting and networking with the next generation.
ONLINE You're a perverted lush who has rubbed up against more coeds than a sorority-house beagle.
IN PERSON Your NFL team is just rebuilding and things will get better.
ONLINE Your team is pathetic and you can't possibly expect them to ever be any good.
IN PERSON You can tell you really know how to handle your truck and the added performance.
ONLINE You think you have NASCAR skills, but you're a maniac who is out there putting lives in peril.
IN PERSON Your buddies are outgoing and are well-known by others.
ONLINE Your friends are patrol-baiting loudmouths who need to get a life.
IN PERSON Your shop is old school.
ONLINE Your local shop is run by a bloodthirsty madman who ought to be handcuffed for some of the antics that he pulls.
IN PERSON It takes awhile to get comfortable with the intricacies of the system, but you'll get it figured out soon.
ONLINE Your new gauges are a complete bust.
IN PERSON Your mechanic is fiercely loyal to his job.
ONLINE Your mechanic is a single-toothed, liquor-soaked, foulmouthed vermin that real vermin cross the street to avoid.
IN PERSON Your magazine editor is right on this month
ONLINE Your magazine editor writes crazy columns that no one can relate to.