Validated Members?

[ianerrid]

Just a thought from the AudiR8Pilots website, but would it be a good idea to consider adding validated members by the VIN to minimise the Davey Dee nonsense happening again?

Add Validated or Prospective or Would love to or whatever under forum name?

Just a thought so don't flame me - I don't want to shut people down, it's just if I am about to modify my cars it would be great to know if the contribution was from a fantastist 12 year old girl in Middesboro or an owner with experience.

("Ian, put that scotch down and help me make the dinner", yes dear...)

[Kubus]

I dont mind that idea however there are a few VINs for R8s floating around on the net...

[randombloke]

tis the nature of forums that anyone who can put finger to keyboard can make any claim they want. I think it'd be useful if there was some kind of proof mechanism, but that could just lead to putting more weight in that than in getting a feel from past posts. I can't see any system being foolproof and if someone is messed up enough in the first place to get their jollies lying on a forum, they're likely to find pleasure in getting around any screening. that then just makes it a barrier for genuine folk and gives the numpties more credibility if they do get around the screening.

[AnOutsider]

Not to mention DD never actually claimed he owned an R8 so he would've skated by on the "soon" thing.

[SebringSilver]

If proof of ownership is a prerequisite to posting, or perhaps I should say posting with credibility, wouldn't that be easily misconstrued as an attempt to be exclusionary? Surely it isn't difficult to spot a troll when you see one, and when you do, you either ignore him or you engage him in conversation at your own peril.

Besides, there are lots of people who don't own R8s and might well never own an R8, but possess vast experience in things automotive, whose contribution to this forum should not be discouraged.

Just my two cents...

[Kubus]

In Poland there is a Exotic Cars forum where people post photos of exotics they spot. Mine has been on there a few times. Some of the photographers post pics of the VIN on the car as well. I think my VIN has been posted once... I think VIN validation just wouldn't work.

I think the validation idea is great, but it just might not work in practice.

I think it might just have to come down to the person's posts and sometimes its really easy to see through them.

Many people's situations can be a bit odd. For example, mine is a bit unorthodox. The R8 is in all technical aspects my father's car. He bought it for me as a toy when I go visit him in Poland and can have something fun to drive. He wouldnt have any time to spend on forums in his busy schedule. However, there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum and Im very happy that I can learn something new from you guys all the time and have support when I have a question relating to the car.

[harrison]

We have become a relaxed forum. Heck, we even show our license plates for all to see! I used to photochop that stuff off. Just lazy I guess. Happy Hollandaise !!!

[Kubus]

Most of us have custom plates that have something to do with the car... Like mine XLR8.

[harrison]

XLR8 is a good one!! Don't ever lose that one .Works for all cars too!!

[randombloke]

Besides, there are lots of people who don't own R8s and might well never own an R8, but possess vast experience in things automotive, whose contribution to this forum should not be discouraged.

I agree. To be clear, it's only something I think could be useful (even if it was possible) when it comes to people posting a claimed experience that others go on to rely on for themselves rather than it being a closed down private club.

as Ian said initially:

it's just if I am about to modify my cars it would be great to know if the contribution was from a fantastist 12 year old girl in Middesboro or an owner with experience.

we can get a feel for that based on post history, but if someone new pops they shouldn't expect a "right" to be believed and trusted and the dd debacle just reinforces that.