Phil, Scott, unsubscribe, etc.

[ricematthews]

I have waited the mandatory day or so to reply after deciding whether or not
it should be said and I understand that this is probably beating a dead
horse - or in the case of Phil, maybe talking on a phone to someone who has
already hung up on the other end, but here's my  0.02.

Phil has been a serious asset to this community.  I never felt like his
comments and advise were put out there to solicit business, but rather to
selflessly offer free BTDT comments about something that he has a good bit
of knowledge.  His helpful tips are usually geared towards the "shade tree"
mechanic as opposed to someone who has access to every specialty tool
available.  Phil may occasionally learn a few tips from others, but what he
gives is far greater than what he takes.  As for the WAP thread - I did find
it a little esoteric for my present uses, but as has been stated, it was for
the good of the community and if it can eventually help all, what can be the
harm in that?

There is no doubt that Scott also knows Audis, but over the previous Scott
vs. Phil online spat (as opposed to the current one), I had to question
Scott's motives.  I don't know if he just has unresolved issues with Phil
that he needs to periodically air out, or if he has a customer base that he
is trying to impress by "one-upping" another person who relies on Audi
repairs for his livelihood.  Whatever the motives, Scott - as I sat back and
saw the last thread unwind, I told myself that no matter how much you knew
about Audis, I would probably never look to you for repair work.  Your
attitude reminds me of an independent BMW mechanic I know of who sells his
services by claiming that everything someone brings him is junk and that
everyone else is wrong.  He's built a successful business this way, all the
while using the BMWCCA as his channel for building a reputation as a quality
shop.  Don't get me wrong - he definitely knows his stuff, but I get the
impression that everything he does is motivated by his desire to drum up
more business.  Scott has singled out Phil as someone to police over.  This
is unfair - there are frequent posts that offer less Audi content than the
WAP thread started by Phil, but Scott dares not comment on them?

Dan - great list.  I hope this isn't the beginning of the end.  There are
other technical resources out there for Audi's, but this is a (mostly) nice
community.  In contrast, I hate the juvenile banter on some of the other
message boards.  Maybe it is the community aspect here that inspires
occasional NAC posts, but IMO, better to have it that way then most
alternatives.  I feel like people out there are friends when asking
questions about BMW's, photography, etc. - and it seldom gets taken too far.
For this community, Audi is just the tie that binds, so to speak.  It's nice
that people occasionally comment on their other interests - it also helps
everyone understand where the Audi comments that they offer come from.

Phil - I hope you'll reconsider.  You've truly been an asset.  Maybe you'd
at least lurk and offer comments offlist.  If you decide to stay away,
completely, however, I would understand.

Scott - no serious offense intended.  My opinions obviously don't represent
all and you do have a lot to offer, but I do think it is important for you
to understand how some others perceive you.

Thanks for the bandwidth!

-Mark Rice