I have been involved with the Concours Owner's organizations (loose wording to encompass the many utterings thereof over the years) for roughly 15 years, ever since I bought my '97 and later, my '08. At that point, I was no newbie to motorcycles, having grown up on them. As so many of you can attest, we grew up without the benefit (arguable point) of the internet and the many motorcycle forums that exist there. We learned from those around us and from a healthy dose of trial and error.
Over the last several years, I made efforts with my limited time to actively help out with "the Owner's forum" group. I partook in out-of-state rides and volunteered at events like the motorcycle shows that used to happen in the Southeast. I fully acknowledge that I didn't contribute much, but that's not because I didn't want to. Despite that, I have a very short fuse when it comes to bickering and shenanigans between a bunch of people that are supposed to support the same cause. It was those shenanigans that kept me at bay from actually doing more with "the Group". Upon "the Split", I saw a sharp rise in nonsense, which was quite disheartening. It lead me to no longer be a paid member, as I cannot willingly support said nonsense. It wasn't too long after that, when "the Other" site locked out non paying members. So be it. It has soured me a bit and caused me to step back and not be as active as I once was on either forum.
But now, I have learned that the unforgivable has happened. The shenanigans have boiled over and someone that I respect to the utmost has decided it is time to leave. As some of you may already know, long time member and likely one of the most valuable members this line of motorcycles has ever seen, Fred Harmon, has decided to call it quits. His internet and physical presence, and value, will be gone to all of us. The rhetoric, the backstabbing, the insults, the criticism, and lack of support from those in charge has lead him to say it is no longer worth it. Fred dedicated his entire adult life, as an engineer, to making things better. His generosity lead him to devote much of his time and money into helping us make our Connies better, and helped many of us save thousands of dollars in showing us how to perform complicated maintenance procedures on our own.
It's all I can do at this point to not go off on a profanity laced tirade, partly because it wouldn't make it to print any way. But to those in the leadership positions at "the Other forum", F#&K YOU. You have allowed good members to get so frustrated with your inept manner of organization and leadership, that they have left one of the most technically valuable forums on the internet. Each one of you should be absolutely ashamed at your high school level cliques and petty devisiveness. It is beyond comprehension how a few immature asshats can be allowed to chase off well established and valuable members. Even the hardest of stones can be worn down to nothing, given enough time. If you are one of those that contributed to this outcome, then F#& YOU, too. The sharing of knowledge is one of our most valuable resources as humans, and stupid bitches like you have ruined a perfectly good thing.
I have taken some time to calm down prior to writing this, as my original paragraphs were unpleasant. As our bikes get more technologically complicated, we can all benefit from the MANY amazing members like Fred, who have shared so much with us, with nothing asked in return. My '08 was the most advanced bike I'd ever owned, and thus equally as complicated. Guys like Fred saved me untold money and time in diving in and getting to task. Think about this fact: motorcycles will only get more advanced and complicated. We are now even closer to facing these technical challenges on our own.
Fred, if you ever read this, you have my depth of gratitude for what you have done for us. It saddens me to no end that certain individuals could not, or would not, be restrained to prevent the damage they have caused. I beg you to reconsider, but I do not blame you for your decision.
It matters not to me if you disagree. Some people just have a hard time with facts.
