It's about that time... Another year gone past and we're still here keeping this place alive. Traffic certainly is nothing like it used to be - but neither is the hobby. The car scene just isn't what it used to be.
In 2001 when i started this place after a few prior iterations of sites, the car scene was everywhere. Everyone 15 and older wanted a car. To drive. Freedom. Many of those 'kids' also wanted to express themselves, be different, or stand out in some way with their cars. Then F&F came out and the trends just spiraled out of long-grain control. It seemed like everyone had something done to their car - a stereo, a wing, a fart-can, or the horrid altezza tail lights. Regardless of how awful that was, kids were into cars.
Fast forward to 2018, kids don't care about cars, or forums. They uber, they get rides with their moms because it's now illegal in most states for 2 16 year olds to drive in the same car together. They social network. They.... do everything else but care about cars like we do/did.
Times are different and that is inevitable. It's nice to still be at least a little relevant in this world and I'm glad that we are able to still mostly cover all our costs month on month. I am glad that many of you come back every day to check out what's going on and just talk with your friends you met here, even if it isn't about cars or hondas at all. We all came here to learn, and we left with friendships - some that have spanned close to 18 years now. Without this place, I truly believe my life would have been much different in nearly every aspect I can think about. Life moves on - people change, hobbies alter, but relationships can continue on through all of it.
We lost 2 members this year - @Airjockie and @ripperbone. Both taken from us way too young. Perhaps we lost a few more that we will never know about.... people that perhaps didn't make friends outside of HS with anyone from here to let us know.
As 2018 comes to a close, I encourage you all to value the people around you. Call someone you lost touch with. Call your mom. volunteer. Meet new people. Say hi to people as you pass them in a store instead of ignoring their existence. Don't make a resolution. Change the way you live as a lifestyle change - not a temporary goal.
May 2019 bring you joy and betterment in every way possible. Keep the car scene alive. Bring a kid to a show, event, track. Get a neighbor to watch you tinker with their parent's permission. Expose others to what you love. You never know who's life you might be changing/saving just by having them search for a 10mm socket.
Love,
B
In 2001 when i started this place after a few prior iterations of sites, the car scene was everywhere. Everyone 15 and older wanted a car. To drive. Freedom. Many of those 'kids' also wanted to express themselves, be different, or stand out in some way with their cars. Then F&F came out and the trends just spiraled out of long-grain control. It seemed like everyone had something done to their car - a stereo, a wing, a fart-can, or the horrid altezza tail lights. Regardless of how awful that was, kids were into cars.
Fast forward to 2018, kids don't care about cars, or forums. They uber, they get rides with their moms because it's now illegal in most states for 2 16 year olds to drive in the same car together. They social network. They.... do everything else but care about cars like we do/did.
Times are different and that is inevitable. It's nice to still be at least a little relevant in this world and I'm glad that we are able to still mostly cover all our costs month on month. I am glad that many of you come back every day to check out what's going on and just talk with your friends you met here, even if it isn't about cars or hondas at all. We all came here to learn, and we left with friendships - some that have spanned close to 18 years now. Without this place, I truly believe my life would have been much different in nearly every aspect I can think about. Life moves on - people change, hobbies alter, but relationships can continue on through all of it.
We lost 2 members this year - @Airjockie and @ripperbone. Both taken from us way too young. Perhaps we lost a few more that we will never know about.... people that perhaps didn't make friends outside of HS with anyone from here to let us know.
As 2018 comes to a close, I encourage you all to value the people around you. Call someone you lost touch with. Call your mom. volunteer. Meet new people. Say hi to people as you pass them in a store instead of ignoring their existence. Don't make a resolution. Change the way you live as a lifestyle change - not a temporary goal.
May 2019 bring you joy and betterment in every way possible. Keep the car scene alive. Bring a kid to a show, event, track. Get a neighbor to watch you tinker with their parent's permission. Expose others to what you love. You never know who's life you might be changing/saving just by having them search for a 10mm socket.
Love,
B