By Tim Odell
So…uh…looks like we might be onto something here.
First off, in case it’s not obvious, this thing kinda took off a little faster than anticipated. It appears there was some pent-up demand, or something. We’re still tweaking all kinds of site mechanics as we figure them out. If you see something wrong/buggy/whatever with the site, wait 10 minutes and reload. If it’s still there hit us up at bu**@ho********.com.
A few notes, to make your experience more pleasurable…
We’re not sure how to get images in comments, so for the time being just post a link to the image. Comments with several outbound links tend to get caught in our spam filter and require moderation. Either post them one-at-a-time or just be patient. On to a few common themes…
“How do I get a picture thingy next to my name?”
Go to the Gravatar site. Gravatar = “Globally Recognized Avatar”. You’ll have to create an account unless you already have a WordPress.com (not to be confused with wordpress.org) account. It doesn’t matter what you use for an account name, as it’s tied to your email address. Also: you can add extra email addresses to your account after it’s created. From there on, it’s a pretty typical “upload a photo/swipe a url” thing. They actually let you select your 80×80 pixels from any bigger image, so you don’t need to fire up Photoshop to get something that looks decent. We’ve set our limit at PG (booooo!), FYI. New images/accounts take a little bit to make it through the series of tubes, so be patient.
“Dude, chec
k this out!”
ti**@ho********.com
Let’s say you want to do more than point us to something…
“Can I write for you?”
Maybe…dunno…can you? We need content worthy of discussion and you probably have something worth bringing up. If you’ve got an essay or an idea for a series or something, let us know at su*********@ho********.com. Feel free to use that same address for things like event coverage or picture series’ as well. To be blunt, we’re all working for free these days. Keep up the traffic and maybe we’ll see where things go.
“Dude, I sent you like 5 emails”
Yeah, we got them. Cool your jets there, sport. We’ve got day jobs, finicky carburetors and a pregnant wife to worry about. We do this when we’re supposed to be eating or sleeping (but never working). It’s in the queue and we’ll get back to you. Probably.
“This place is so much better than [redacted]”
If you say so. In all honesty, we just missed being able to talk about random car stuff without having to wade through political flame-bait or press releases about anti-lock brakes. We’re going to focus on the fun stuff and leave the day-to-day news grind (and related traffic) to others. We won’t post anything we don’t think is worth reading. Hopefully you’ll agree. Just keep it civil and reasonably classy in the comments, and we’ll see where this goes…
Jeff Glucker
long time reader at [REDACTED]
Just stumbled here and found my new favorite site.
Wait… pregnant wife? Hangon, why didn’t anyone tell me about that?
i found out thanks to a gmail status…
sir science truly needs to turn to the dark side of the faceborg.
I found out by walking into their kitchen and seeing the sonogram(?) taped to the fridge… oopsy daisy…
Congratulations to Tim and Daisy and soon-to-be Junior_Science…!
Like Dearthair, I’m just thankful it’s T&D and not my wife & me. Congrats to them both and all the future madlettes.
Thank you both! We are stoked!
if tim and daisy had a sitcom about there lives that would be tims line right when he… well.. you get it
Oh thank god! So it’s Mr. Science that has the pregnant wife, not me?
Well THAT’S a relief!
We wanted it to be a surprise…surprise!
Congratulations to you and Tim! When is the little bundle of petrolhead due?
Thanks Tom! March 1st tentatively.
testing the gravatar thing… not clear how to get it to show… but whatevers.
Guys… this is brilliant what you have done and I am hoping to have an unsolicited logo in to Jeff tomorrow (today)… just something that popped into me little brain.
Via con dios.
Cool!
You should check out the facespace-fan-book page or whatever.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=11004&post=47772&uid=177997396564#/pages/Hooniverse/177997396564?ref=ts
And I may write a review or so. Wait and see.
Well, since you probably didn’t see my farewell over at [REDACTED], I’ll bring back the old days by quoting myself overhere:
“There will always be DAF vs FAF.”
This is looking to be fun, and no offense to Schm von Richthofen, but I’d stay the heck away from Facebook. I think that was the beginning of the end of our formally favorite site.
Actually, I think that drew the CSReps closer together…
Group hug!
Face what now?
Cool. Now I can figure out that avatar thingy. Things did take off a little fast for you all. No worries or hurries, we are a patient bunch.
Hmmmm, see if I am tech stupid today.
Of course I see this post after sending you a message… Doh.
You boys are doing a great job, keep it up. I’ve not read one feature here yet that wasn’t either informative, entertaining, or both. I look forward to more killer content, and great pictures. This is what I expected from [REDACTED], thank goodness (actually Mad_Science) that I found it here.
YAY! I feel like I have found a new home! I just came from visiting [REDACTED], and they made a bunch of eleventh hour changes to the site(it’s getting to be worse than ebay motors with all the constant change). I think my days there are numbered, and i am fine with that. I like what I see here, and I think I may be stopping by quite often.
My days were numbered and ran out this morning apparently. At least they sent me out with a COTD.
Yeah, I’m tired of it. It doesn’t even say “obsessed with the cult of cars” next to the name anymore. That was enough for me.
Why you’re right, it doesn’t.
They can go fuck a rake, then. I’m just in it for the Murilee now. And the NPOCP.
And Orosz, though if recent history is anything to go by, he’s posting on borrowed time.
Yes, it seems like [REDACTED] is attempting to quiet the masses by ‘enhancing the commentary’. Quite a ploy, but to little to late to keep their site traffic numbers up.
BTW, I’m loving HOONIVERSE. Keep it coming guys! Thanks!
Yeah, I lurked over at [REDACTED] this morning, too. Some of the changes seemed rather “meh”, some seemed inconvenient, and some were downright confusing. In general all I really noticed was some pandering to the commentariat, and a couple of more or less useless features. Also, as Citroen67 mentioned, the “Obsessed with the cult of cars” tagline is gone, for reasons unknown. Not that any of it matters to me, I will consider this my new home, and as more of my favorite folks from [REDACTED] defect to Hooniverse, I will have less reason to lurk at [REDACTED}. I’m excited as hell for the future of this site, and what it will bring to the table. I fully expect this to be the place that people go to just get their car fix. Auto news can be found on any number of sites on these damn interwebz, the content I’ve seen here in the last couple of days is fairly rare. I am lovin’ it, big time.
I also have high hopes for HOONIVERSE (always needs to be referred to in CAPS, I feel, btw), and expect the commentary to be a cut above.
Kind of OT, but this all feels like the episode of South Park where Wall-Mart takes over, loses its way due to shoppers, and is subsequently destroyed and a new store takes its place. It feels strangely familiar.
Can I play grammar nazi over here?
Too little, Too late
Categorize “too” as an adverb. An adverb is similar to an adjective, but rather than modifying a noun or pronoun, an adverb modifies all words that are not nouns or pronouns. The word that an adverb modifies most often is a verb. “Too” is used to denote something as excessive (too expensive, too young) or to indicate an addition
Good lord! They’re using #hashtags! RUN!
#hahahaha
I make it a personal policy to stay away from #hashtags. I always end up a total mess.
Last time I messed around with #hashtags, I woke up in Flint, MI with a hooker, a goat, no pants and a hole in my memory. Not gonna do that again.
That could have resulted from any trip to Flint. Thats a strange smell in that river.
Did you count your kidneys? Any new scars?
“She said ‘Wait a minute, daddy/
You’re no cat…/
Well, you’re a dog!'”
If I was contracted to write for THE MAN I’d totally write about my friend’s 1941 Tatra T87 for Honniverse.
Hell, I still might!
You might not be able to, but Lonny Jieberman can.
umm… you can write for us…
if bumbelbeck contributes as well… well i dont know what it would do to me.
Do you need a brown paper bag to breath in? I have one here…
Hoonibucket would be the uncontested ruler of the Internets.
That reminds me: What’s Davey G. up to these days (other than playing director with his Fiesta, I mean)?
This is like that dream where I visit my folks’ house after decades of being away and find my room exactly as I left it as a kid, with the models on the dresser and hanging from the ceiling, and Matchbox cars all lined up outside the massive under-bed garage.
I even remember the smells.
Wow.
Just go by the nom de plume of Juan Amante. I mean, you wouldn’t be getting paid for it so who’s gonna sue?
It’s more an issue of taking the time to do something worthwhile.
i.e. THE MAN keeps me busy.
In a good way.
I don’t know guys the “why doesn’t my Gravitar show up?” proceeded by the gravitar is a pretty good way to see the newbies and say hi. Seen the changes on [redacted] this morning, will wait and see what happens there. I know I have spent a lot more time reading and lurking around here… so that may say something. Also, what about other interesting mechanical things? I’m headed to the farm this weekend, something interesting and mechanical usually appears during these weekends.
Guys, great work! Keep it up!
Hey, why didn’t somebody tell me about this? j/k.
Nice work guys.
Can I never recieve a star here nor a COTD, or basically any appreciation for anything, as I’d like to feel at home, haha.
Gold Star for you! But I reserve the right to take it away if you post anything I don’t agree with.
Excellent.
I see this shiny bad boy lasting about 2 days! That’s a lot like “home too….
Frankly, I was not a fan of the whole “star commenter” label when it first appeared at [REDACTED]. When it first came about, it served NO PURPOSE except to create an Orwellian artificial class system. I felt uncomfortable being in the “gifted kids’ class”.
Well, to be fair you sure deserved a star. But the premise was pretty crappy. Any other online community manages just fine without that kind of nonsense.
I would have liked to seen join dates, post counts or something else to show who’s been around or something, rather than a “teacher’s pet” choice of who matters.
I kinda felt the same way, Charles. The ironic thing is that I was finally deemed “worthy” last week, then I learn about this little endeavor today and after my first visit here the bloom has suddenly fallen off of [REDACTED]’s rose for me.
When do I get a star?
In the Hooniverse, we are all stars
*sniff*
Oddly this reminded me of the speech in Mad Max (II, III?) when they talk about the long long ago time…
WAAAAAALKER
WAAAAAALKER
D’oh, that will teach me to read all the comments before commenting!
lets try that again…
boo yah:
hmm… clicking on it results in a 403… I will try figure out why.
(Tim… why is that happening?)
checking the view source shows that the image and the thumbnail have a different url
/comment-image/476-tn.jpg shows the pic
/comment-image/476.jpg 403’s
fix it!
How did you post a pic?
in the reply comment thing, there is a browse button just between the text field and the submit button
Let’s see. Does this work?
Evidently it does. SWEET!
That’s the best test pic ever!
Thanks! I love my Bostons, they’re hilarious!
Thank you! Great pup pic! Almost looks happy to get (his/her) photo taken.
He’s happy to do anything. Our 2 Boston Terriers are the most agreeable dogs I’ve ever had, they just love people. Both are males, and I suspect they’ll make appearances in threads or the ol’ avatar over there from time to time.
How tightly do you have to squeeze him to get that face?
You don’t, you just have to offer him delicious spiced meats, and he smiles in anticipation.
Reminds me of that scene in a Christmas Story:
But…but…It’s smiling at me…THWACK!
It’s FORBIDDEN!
No idea. Don’t even know how you get that enabled.
new plugin…
403? The callout suggests a 301, silly.
Damn, I was beaten to it. That’ll learn me to read the entire thread.
Damn it, I thought you were talking about a Peugeot 403.
Hazah! (sp?)
hazZah… jeez.
thanks!
Huzzah! (double jeez)
So, what’s all this, then, eh?
Oh hoons… I am off to the OC Auto Show to photograph stuff for the real job… ok, maybe I will take a few photos for you too.
Hope you like flat bill hats and Dickies!
(seriously though, they have a Miss Hawaiian Tropics contest and MMA cage fights at this “show”… all they need is a a black knee-length sock depot and the circle is complete)
Don’t forget old school white Puma tennies, too.
Please take pics of all the “brah” tastic big trucks. Some of us have a real fondness of flatbiller trucks for some reason.
Miss the 2500, then?
Not any more….. I just bought a “winter beater/tow truck” that’s an 01 2500 with the big block! Being the sucker I am for impractical nonsense I lifted it and put nice wheels w/ 35’s on it, black on black of course.
Thanks for solving the avatar mystery. I don’t (didn’t?) have an avatar at [REDACTED], so I think I’ll keep the tradition here. It’s like owning a fast car and driving it slowly, I guess…
Well, I’m just glad y’all decided to launch this now. Especially since my commenting privileges have been revoked at [REDACTED].
So, who wants some engineerd Hoonerweiss? I decided to branch into beer brewing for this new venture. Don’t worry, the brefass scotch will be coming.
Wow. That worm sure turned abruptly.
Huh? That’s… special. Any idea why?
Uh, yeah, WTF? REVOKED? Details at all?
Oh, and count me in on the Hoonerweiss. Maybe with a little slice of orange?
Welcome to the fold, good sir. Soon the transformation will be complete.
Welcome to the party, WTF did they jerk your credentials for? Is there a link or screen cap of what had to be an EPIC comment?
They also took Dearthair’s star.
Those bastards! I was using that!
Wait… no, I wasn’t. Okay, carry on.
Yeah, don’t think he cares.
Not into weissbier, but if you decide to brew an alt or ESB, I’m in.
I see what you did there.
I’d like a Hefe Hoonerweiss. Don’t worry about using the correct tapered glass with the classy logo on it, I’ve yet to bother to get me a nice avatar. Just pour it into a liter stein and I’m good.
Fixed that. Gimme the nice cut crystal correct glass with the Hoonerwiess logo etched into it by precision NASA lasers.
It’s really refreshing to see that the exodus from The Site That Dare Not Speak Its Name seems to be occuring on the high road, with a minimum of rancor.
I’m feeling a bit guilty as I feel like I was the catalyst for the exodus, but it’s genuinely heartwarming to see that the vast, vast majority of discussion has been very kind and civilized. I think I’m the only one who’s dropped any F-bombs, and that’s just because I’m about as classy and elegant as the guys on Deadliest Catch or Ice Road Truckers.
I don’t think you need to feel guilty at all, I think your hand was forced. First and foremost, [REDACTED] had become unenjoyable for you (and many others, frankly). Rather than continuing to offer the content that made it popular to its core members, it became more mainstream. And then came [REDACTED] 2.0, and its even further watered down content, and the [REDACTED]9, and the threats of star removal when something was said that offended certain somebodies. In general, the relaxed feel of community just started going away in the name of more members and higher page view counts. I can’t say I fault you or anyone else for people leaving that… other… site for greener pastures. If the content we want to see is here, and it’s not there, then it’s their fault that they don’t offer it there. If the relaxed environment that people enjoy is here, and not there, it’s their fault for not making it inviting. And if the threats of Banned Camp run people away from there and straight into another Hooniverse, then who’s to blame? Them, that’s who. No blame for you sir, you and your cohorts are offering a site to those of us who love cars, not press releases and recall notices. The cult of cars has a new home, screw [REDACTED]. And sorry if that wasn’t very classy.
I personally am not going to take any "all-or-nothing" positions. There is much about [REDACTED] that I still enjoy, and feel I can contribute to when I feel so disposed. But I also have favorite contributors that I first met there, and wherever they go, I shall stop in at least occasionally. Whether it is here, AutoBlog, Clunkbucket, RideLust, or the CSRSL on Facebook… It's the topic *and* the authors I love and respect, and I will continue to avoid feeling pressured to forsake any of them until that is a decision I arrive at myself.
I said it before, I’ll say it again:
HOONIGANS UNITE!
Really impressed with the setup and the strong showing here guys. And it feels really good to be in on the ground floor of something special… I caught onto the other place as it was beginning its decent.
Let’s just make sure to keep the high road here, we don’t need a TTAC-style “other site death watch” or anything.
Mad_Science, Dearthair, et al that I forgot or don’t know about: Again, kudos for making an impressive showing in a short amount of time. I hope I can be a worthwhile pestulence in yer sides around here.
Can we still take cheap shots at TTAC? I F’n hate that site.
we will be in touch with you shortly… thanks for the email.
FIRST!
Oh wait, wrong site.
Is there any chance we could get a certain Mr. Diddles on this site (Does anyone know what has happened to him)? The Lake Superior Pro Rally is this weekend and it pains me that Jalopnik (I’m pretty sure the J-word is removed whenever someone types it – that makes me chuckle) most likely won’t be covering it.
However it just so happens that yours truly is now at a certain Tech school in that area and I will be taking pictures/vids of the event with my point-and-shoot. Maybe they will show up here.
It’s not censored. Yet.
I’m sure your rally photos will be appreciated!
Crud, it wasn’t censored. I guess everyone feels that name shouldn’t be spoken over here (including me). Now we can all start complaining for an edit button just like in the old days.
[Ed: You know what’s cool? I have an edit button. Bwahahaahhaahah!!! We’ll see what we can do on the editing. -M_S]
Hello God?
he has expressed interested… he also has something interested brewing… go check out http://www.CrapCanAm.com
Bookmarked!!! These next 15 days will not go by quick enough! What will i ever do to past the time? *Realizes what site he’s at* Oh yeah, nevermind.
Somebody already has my admittedly not uncommon username at Gravatar. In the hooniverse I shall henceforth be known as Joshuman. Here, have a picture of a funky van I saw a while back. Not many of these made their way to the states and fewer still are probably still on the road. This one was on a trailer. It is called a Commer Spacevan.
The red badge under the COMMER logo says “Rootes Group” and the one under that says “Bruce” on the crest. Well, the Rootes name to me means supercharger and I can only hope that this might have the Rootes TS3, a two-stroke diesel three-cylinder horizontally-opposed piston engine, which came to be known as the “Commer Knocker” due to the unique noise it produced (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commer). I guess these were pretty common in England where they were used as postal vehicles.
I can’t figure out the year but it has to be pre-1979 since that’s when Chrysler took over. You can see more examples of Commer Spacevans here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/charliebrake/sets/72157604882162675/
I thought you had the market cornered on that name. (Get it? “Cornered?” Is this thing on?)
In the ’60s, Matchbox offered a Commer Bottle Float (milk truck.) I have a couple of these lying around; they’re among the cutest vehicles in my diecast collection.
Make that pre-1966; that’s when Chrysler took over. 1979 was when Chrysler sold its European operations (including the Rootes Group and Simca) to Peugeot after thoroughly running them into the ground.
Some of those Spacevans were officially imported here, along with their camper van corporate sibling, the Sunbeam Funwagon.
No, I did not just make that up. There is a 1960’s British camper van called the Sunbeam Funwagon. It uses the same 1600cc engine as my Alpine. And the Alpine’s not terribly fast.
Oh jesus, just when I get used to the real names on FB and Twitter, now I’ve got both in the same place (Braff, how do you even keep track?). And what else do I find? All the comforts of home.
Anyone up for the hilarious misadventures of a failed car designer trying to get a true PCH Alfa running? Carb rebuilds start this weekend. Think Mr. Bean tunes an Alfa (except without knowing that Rowan Atkinson totally could)
Gosh, it’s so bright in here. *blink, blink* I feel giddy.
I’m also pissed that everyone left just before my damn clever (for a change) brefass-scotch-inspired post this am on [redacted]. And I STILL didn’t get COTD.
I’m always up for stories about working on Alfas, or anything else with mechanics…
testing gravatar #1
testing gravatar #2
Ah ha!
Ha, ha, ha … they told us to keep the comments civil and reasonably classy. I believe they forgot who they were dealing with.
So, next question, my usual handle is taken at Gravatar; am I out of luck?
Question answered.