EDIT: "Patrol4x4 still currently has virus's and Malware so please do not visit the site at this time - no doubt, information will be released around both sites when they've sorted the issues". Sorry for putting this at the top - not a dig, just had a heap of members head over for a squiz and got virus messages.
There’s been a lot of banter lately regarding the recent issues being experienced on Patrol4x4.com and subsequently, I believe it would be safe to say, the lines that have been drawn in the sand by some at times (myself included – for this I offer apology) have created an incomplete and incorrect perception of both this forum, and theirs. I am a member of both, although I actively participate here, and through this whole mess at Patrol4x4, I can’t help but feel sorry for the individuals involved - all the members. It has been around a lot longer than this forum, and subsequently it has a lot more members, but just as importantly, a lot more information gathered over time. To potentially have all that effort (their members are just as passionate as ours, so step into their shoes for a moment before hammering me) simply go down the drain if things don’t start going their way is nothing short of sacrilege. Their members, administrators, and moderators alike have painstakingly built a network of information, discussions, knowledge bases, and most importantly, friendships that may very well be at threat of extinction (for want of a better word) through no real fault of their own – I personally would be devastated if for instance my entire build thread that has taken 18 months to populate, was simply no more, with no way of retrieving the file if this forum were to close down. There is multitudes of other threads, and a great many people that I simply would have no way to access. That is the worst part – people have built true friendships with others they may never have even met, and find (just like us) that their forum is an outlet for them in discussing their passion for all things Patrol, outdoors, and four wheel driving.
I’ve had a read through some of the threads today, and they are pulling their hair out – yep, some of you may find that hysterical, but reality is, if I was out in the bush and passed a bunch of their forum boys/girls having some troubles, the concept of a 'competitive forum' wouldn't even come into play - I would be jumping in and helping them in the rain and mud till dark to get things sorted and make sure everyone got home (and maybe throw a few coldies down afterwards!!) and I actually believe that the vast majority of their members would do actually the same in return – because just like us, they’re real people behind alias’s and avatars. There has been a perception being propagated (and once again, I find myself at blame) that there is genuine “competition” between the two sites … nope, there isn’t and we would do well to simply enjoy what we have, knowing full well the internet is full of choice if we ever feel the need to browse.
Facts are, they are both forums, they are both dedicated to Nissan Patrols, and they are generally both populated with a heap of decent people who are the heart and soul of each forum respectively. Many members are on both forums, some are devout NissanPatrol.com.au and some are devout Patrol4x4.com, and the reality is, that is perfectly OK without having the need to sh!tcan each other. I read a post today on their forum where one member (can’t recall who now though, so if it was you and your on this forum also, then thanks!!) equated it to being like State of Origin – most these blokes play along side each other week in and week out, but when it comes to pulling on those respective colours, the gloves are off … and so long as it’s left on the field as it were, then happy days. Most of us shop (ok, go to the shops and hoon on the trolley whilst the missus fills it!! lol) and I see that some people shop in Coles for a reason, and some shop in Woolies (and some in neither). They essentially sell the same sh!t, but you don’t see checkout chicks from Coles hanging out the front of Woolies waiting for their counterparts to finish work so they can get amongst it!!! If people like our forum, they will come, if they like theirs then so be it … but mud slinging (which seems to have crept in over here) is worth absolutely zero.
I’m sure though worded poorly, you get where I’m going here …
Last thing, I would personally like to wish those guys over there every best success in getting things sorted – the members of the site (especially the ones who have sponsored) simply don’t deserve what has happened to them.
Not the sort of post you expect from me, but after reading some threads on Patrol4x4 today, it was fairly upsetting to see long term members over there having shots across the bow at one another regarding the recent turn of events. Not something I wish on anyone, and certainly hope it never happens here …
Righto … I’m expecting to be steamrolled for having written this, so … away you go!!
Originally Posted by NissPat
