I need help from all of you please!

[Sean197]

Good morning people!
I'm writing a dissertation for Uni (in Social Anthropology) on the concept of online 'imagined communities' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagined_community - and whether they can be considered to be true communities in the same way a 'real-life' community can. I've decided to use this site as the basis of my research, with my aim being to find out if communities which exist online, such as this site, can truly ever be considered a 'community'.

In order for me to research this, could I please ask every one to read and post their answers to the following questions. No personal data (pictures or names, user or real, anything which can identify you) will be used, the answers will be turned into statistical data.
Could I please ask that you number your answers to relate to the questions. Thanks!

1. What brought you to the site?
2. What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)?
   
3. If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site?
   
4. If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why?
   
5. Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you?
6. Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.)
7. Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative!

Many thanks to everyone who will take the time to answer, it's very much appreciated.

 

[Barney626]

1. General interest in the topic/need for help
2. Needed more information on technical topics
3. N/A
4. Maybe, the people on here are friendly, I'd probably still have an interest in renaultsports and I'd like to pass on any knowledge I'd gained in my time of ownership
5. Previously no, but after meeting a couple at a trackday by accident, yes.
6. Absolutely, when someone stops posting for a while people start asking after them. When you need help, everyone is willing to go out their way getting pictures/describing the solution.
7. I think the number of replies to this thread could be a good measure of how the community here will go out their way to help each other....

 

[Benno]

1. Being completely clueless about the car I'd bought 6 hours previous...
2. The fact that on here, you ask a question, you get an answer. Instead of on Facebook where you get witty answers because you're not an NVQ 3 qualified mechanic.
3. -
4. Nobody can say 100% but I'd try to. I can't see this being my last Clio I ever own and my next car will almost definitely be another RS anyway.
5. Bedford trackday back in November was my first meet - bar a couple of purchases from other members. Main reason was to pull my finger out and get on track for the first time but also to meet several of the people I enjoy talking to and have a laugh with on a regular basis. Xmas meal was the same and I'm sure Spa will be next week, whatever the weather.
6. For sure. @Pav made a great example a few days ago, questioning me on my thread as I hadn't been on properly over the last few weeks due to work, seeing how everything was going. You don't get that very often.
7. You need to buy another Clio.

 

[Beany]

1. Expansion of being on the twingo133.net forum page
2. Integrating with like minded people, information and helping people out where I can
3. N/A
4. Maybe I wouldn’t spend as much time on, however there’s a good group of people of here
5. I’ve been to quite a few meets it was good to put names to faces, I’ve enjoyed the company so will always endeavour to attend more gatherings.
6. I believe there is a community vibe on the forum, there’s quite a fair bit of banter and there’s a lot of people from different areas and backgrounds and we all seem to get along well.
7. No additional comments as can’t fault anything

 

[Johnny 99]

1) Looking for like-minded enthusiasts.
2) The information and banter. Feeling of getting to know people albeit remotely.
3) N/a
4) Probably, for the reasons above, though maybe a little less frequently unless I replaced the Clio with another Renault Sport.
5) I have done. I was keen to put faces to names & the chat, banter & feeling of camaraderie did carry over from the virtual world of the forum.
6) Definitely. I have had so much advice given to me & folk I first knew here have become friends on other forms of social media & are starting to become friends in the real world.
7) As Benno said, you need another Clio. The fact that we feel this way illustrates that we feel you are a part of the community here.

 

[Big Ben]

1. Bought a 197 and wanted information on the car
2. People were helpful in answering questions so I in turn answered other people’s where I could
3.N/a
4. I’d stay on forum for sure. I’ve made friends through this place
5. Yes. I’ve already met several members. Wanted to meet like minded RS owners
6. Definitely. Help is always to hand along with good natured banter. Helps that people have met imo.
7. Only to glad to help you with your dissertation. Nuff said

 

[tomwigan]

1. Bought a 200 and was the best place for info / advice / parts / how to guides
2. People offered help and advice, only thought it was fair to return the favour wherever possible
   
3. Still have one
   
4. Yes but probably wouldn't come on as often
   
5. Haven't done yet but would do
6. yes. By far one of the more helpful forums and more genuine advice than on some others that I've been on for other cars in the past
7. Glad to help. Buy another clio

 

[Sean197]

bump for the afternoon crowd
@///M @Pav @Jimmy @Chris @Micah @Foxspeed @kevlar @-Eddie- @tombate911 @trackspec197 @LOCKE @peter @jamesgw200 @suj and anyone else I've forgotten!

 

[suj]

1. What brought you to the site?
   I always try and familiarise myself with a car before I buy it, so I go in with my eyes open before I buy
2. What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)?
   I found the information very useful, then I did / learnt a few things, which I tried to give back. Also some of the members are very nice (especially Sean...)
3. If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site?
   N/A
4. If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why?
   I normally go on sites now and then, but as I don't normally have that vehicle, I kind of lose the moral to help, but I do frequently check if I get messages etc.
5. Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you?
   Most definitely, just need to get my car to a better standard, which should be soon (he says).
6. Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.)
   Yes definitely, I have had some great help from people going out their way to help me get parts / help. I have also done the same for others, as I think it works both ways.
7. Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative!
   Forums work well, as they can help give you comfort knowing that some problems are "common" and you are not alone. In a weird way it's like any other worry in life, financial, mental health etc, sometimes knowing others are they can help you no end.

 

[nathan-burgess]

1. Was searching google for an answer to a fault i had and up popped this forum.

2. It seemed like a friendly place after reading through posts and threads, ironically enough like a little community. Plus i seen the help people were getting for issues and though it would come in handy in the future (which it has).

3. N/A

4. Plans for the future are to upgrade to a MK4 Clio RS so i'd be sticking around anyway, but if i was to leave Clio crew i'd probably stick around. I like POTM and like looking at the pictures people come up with, and there's a few threads such as 'Thing's I don't like/Thing's I like' (which needs reviving) which i got involved in and had a laugh.

5. I haven't done so, but i would do.

6. Yes i do, i have help from a few people. I won a prize on the xmas comp which was great. And i'd say that there was definitely a community spirit as when Shuv went NY and missed xmas meal, everyone was worried he hadn't been online after he got back. You don't get that if there wasn't a community feel.

7. Hope this helps your dissertation.

 

[Pav]

hi Sean..sorry for the late reply..

• What brought you to the site?

Pure accident really..I typed clio 197 in Google and this site came up on top.Think I was searching for some pictures of black wheels on a blue clio.Never knew this stuff existed on the internet

• What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)?

I believe it was an overall welcoming feel nearly 5 years ago.I remember posting something about a flashing light on my dash board and got lots of replies straight away (1st one to reply was Foxy).Think I needed to belong somewhere and seeing other members were very helpful,I decided to share my gained knowledge further.

• If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site?

N/A

• If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why?

I'm sure I would since I have made many friends on here over the last 5 years..

• Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you?

Hell yeah..My 1st meet was down in Malton.I'd been on the site for about a month and this was happening not far from me..I was very scared of how people would react to me since not being English but my worries were gone as soon as we'd met.
I guess to answer your question "what made me" you have to have a passion for this thing (cars,meeting new people etc).I get bored if I have nothing to do so being with people who share the same passion makes me happy..Also spent a whole week up in Scotland a couple of years ago with Jimmy and Chris,and it was the best week I'd ever had.

• Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.)

I'm sure this is very much self explanatory..Many many times I was helped by other members.
Last year my car was being converted and it didnt go as planned but the moral support I was getting kept me going.Also the time Syer's nana died.What the forum did was hard to describe with words..Just amazing.

• Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative!

This could go on for ever but I'll try to make it short.I'm an older model being 35 year old so I do remember times when nothing like this was even possible.Good old letters or land lines.That's how we arranged things when I was younger.Being able to get home after a hard day at work (I mean after a day of doing lots of colouring)
and talk to people who like the same thing,share some knowledge and expect nothing back is just something that makes me happy..Hope that helps mate..Sorry for the length of this but you asked

 

[petercronin]

1 - Heard about it through the renaultsport.co.uk forum. Heard that it was more active, less "corporate" and a bit more laid back than the official Renault one.

2 - I like to be involved with people who have similar interests, to help where I can and ask advice when I don't know.

3 - N/A

4 - Its hard to say for sure but I think I would, I'd maybe not be on as often though. It's good to keep up with peoples progress and see different ideas.

5 - Absolutely, but haven't had the chance / time yet.

6 - Yes. People are almost always available to help you if you have a problem, even if it's just pointing you in the right direction. You'll often see people helping others, @suj is a perfect example recently of people helping him with spares to fix his car quickly.

7 - Can't think of anything at the moment sorry.

Best of luck with the dissertation, I know they can be a bit time consuming to say the least!

 

[Chris]

Any time limit Sean?

I'm up north atm without access too a keyboard!

 

[Sean197]

Any time limit Sean?

I'm up north atm without access too a keyboard!

I have to present an example of my research next Thursday so no rush. The actual dissertation isn't due until mid May!

 

[jamesgw200]

1.
Bought a clio 200 and wanted advice!
2.
enjoy reading and helping others where i can.
3.
The friends ive made and i feel like i still own a clio!
4.
well... im here arent i
5.
always always! best part of being a member!
6.
yes i believe its like the clio 197 family. everyone has the love for the same hot hatch!
7.
not enough female owners...

 

[kevlar]

What brought you to the site?

Many moons ago was searching for a clio 200 and came here - it was a very different place many years ago

What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)?

The good humour and feedback from the other members, I know nothing about cars and no one has judged me on here I was 99% of the time met with a useful reply.

If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site?

Just good nature of the people here, jusr because i dont own one it doesnt mean im still not a huge RS fan - im still a member of vx220 (very loosely...its not as good natured as here) forum and seloc

If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why?

As above great place with some great cars!

Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you?

Met a few people all really nice genuine guys - mostly buying or selling!

Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.)

As stated above on many occasions always good feedback to problems and general questions not always met with the ...use the search button reply!

Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative!

Nothing to add keep the clio forum a good humoured place!

 

[-Eddie-]

1. What brought you to the site? Back in 2011 when I bought my R27 I signed up here pretty much the same day! I was a member of a local car forum but there wouldn’t be much love for the French marque there so signed up somewhere more “focused”.
2. What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)? I guess I just likes the feel of the place back then. Old school members such as Roy, Willis, Kevin, Smoggy Mark, Jimmy etc it was just a great forum to interact on.
3. If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site? I moved away from the Clio into a Megane 265 but still visited this site regularly as I enjoyed the progress threads and knew if I ever sold the Megane I would end up back in a Clio.
   
4. If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why? I would still remain active in terms of viewing threads but probably wouldn’t actively post.
   
5. Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you? Yes and I have done. I was the Northern Ireland rep for quite a while and arranged some very successful meets in the past. During my first trip across to RS Tuning I met up with a few members and experienced the fantastic roads around Hartside cafe. Also back in 2016 I went to Spa and the Ring with Kevin, John and Chris and had an incredible time.
6. Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.) I would say so yes. I am struggling with specific examples but if I do think of any I will come back and edit this.
7. Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative! It is good to see the site becoming much more active now that we have pretty much put the horrible winter behind us!

 

[LOCKE]

1. Looking for info on the 197/200 which I found in abundance.
2. You get out what you put in. Members helped me out with answers so when I can help I share my knowledge. We all share a common interest so it's good to chat to like minded people.
3. -
4. I think I would, mainly to help where I could and to follow the projects on these cars.
5. I would be up for a meet and greet with other members definitely.
6. I do feel there is a community spirit on this forum. Questions get answered, banter is good and opinions are allowed. Members do genuinely want to help you. Last year a member lost a loved one and the forum got together to support him. If that's not community spirit then what is?
7. I think as a whole this is a great forum/community. It's growing from strength to strength and the moderators do a great job.

 

[Foxspeed]

1. What brought you to the site? - i had just gone & purchased a 197 bit of an impulse buy & was looking at sites that had any information etc so joined the original 197 website/forum - which eventually became this site when jason decided the original site was just basically not bothered with by its "owner"....and been here ever since choose what car i have had!
2. What made you become an active member (i.e. posting in threads)? - being in the motor trade from day one & working on renaults for many years & owning a few decided to help members out where i could
   
3. If you no longer own a Clio, what made you stay an active member on the site? - being a moderator for years helps & i also think the 197 is one of the best looking hatches ever made with its flared arches etc so like reading & seeing what members do with their cars
   
4. If you no longer owned a Clio in the future, would you stay an active member on the site? If so, why? - see no3 really
   
5. Would you consider meeting members from the site in person i.e. track days, Xmas meal etc.? If you have already done so, what made you? - yes i have many times at many different places when i can, now its more difficult due to changes in my personal life but i try and being a moderator i think you have to make a special effort
6. Do you find there is a community 'feel' or 'spirit' on the site? If so, please explain or give an example (a meeting, a time someone helped you etc.) - its a forum and at times a bit remote from real life members come & go & comeback as well, some at times take it a bit too serious or pick up things that are not really there & need to be a bit more realistic - making the effort to go to meets helps give a more rounded view of the forum & its members
7. Any additional comments you may feel are relevant, relating to the site as a community - positive or negative! - the site now has far fewer problem members than it did in the early days & its good to see overseas members being active on here

 

[///M]

HAHAHAHAH! Afternoon crowd... you know me so well mate!

On it.