In 1990 I received a free AOL disc in the mail and used it to go “online.” AOL was fun for a variety of years, but a friend told me back in 1995 that you do not need AOL to surf the Internet. In all honesty I didn’t know that at that time. A few days later, I said good-bye to AOL and “HELLO!” to the superhighway of information. People that previously had no interest in PC’s are now running to computer stores so they could surf the internet and retrieve their e-mail.

Back at that time the Internet was really different. Just about everyone was on dial-up, so sites and web pages were simpler. The net hadn’t yet been taken over by commerce sites so it was easier to find “information” then. Chat rooms and forums had been around since the early ’80s, but they were difficult to use. AOL’s interface helped make it much easier.

While blogging began around 1994, it didn’t start to take off until ‘99 with the introduction of “blogging tools.” When political pundits glommed on to blogs in ‘02, the blogosphere really took off. Now, there’s a blog for everything. This is good news and bad news. For researchers like me, when I do a search, nearly half of the links are for product, services, books, auction listings, and forum or blog comments. At first, I was kind of annoyed with the Corvette forum links because searches often linked to things such as, “I like side-pipes too.” But when I took some time to go to the Corvette forum’s home page, I was pleasantly surprised to find a rich, comprehensive information source.

There is a Corvette forum called SmokinVette.com. The thrill and excitement of Corvettes is huge because it covers a 57 year lineage of cars in six unique generations. SmokinVette has Corvette forums for all of the six generations. Upon entering your Corvette’s generation forum, look around and check out all of the topics. All of the forums are distinctive, so take your time and glance around at the numerous links, controls and drop down boxes. It like entering and searching around a home improvement store. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but you will learn to find everything you are looking for.

Sometimes I’m just in the mood to look at pictures. SmokinVette has a HUGE collection of Corvette photos. And what would a high-testosterone topic like Corvettes be without a collection of Corvette Girls? BORING! You won’t find anything too over the top at SmokinVette, but you WILL find lots of SMOKIN babes. That’s a compliment, ladies.

Owning a Corvette isn’t as economically challenging as owning a pleasure boat, but you WILL be spending some cash either refurbishing or personalizing your Corvette. The “Vette Parts” section of SmokinVette can help you locate anything from a supercharger or crate engine to a LED lights or used parts. You’ll find stuff you didn’t even know was being offered! Corvette people are VERY creative.

But don’t just be a voyeur. After you go through the free registration, you can add your two-cents to any of the forums, start a new forum topic, and ask a Corvette question, or post photos and images. Corvette people are VERY helpful. When you own a Vette, or are an enthusiast, you’re a member of a uniquely American club. The whole “Save the Wave” thing got started as a way for Corvette owners to acknowledge one another on the road. Corvettes aren’t just “cars.” They’re something more, something intangible that you don’t begin to “get” until you drive one. Driving a Corvette is a uniquely sensual experience. You don’t just “ride” in a Corvette, you DRIVE a Corvette because they are designed and made to be DRIVEN. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read or heard a new Corvette owner say, “I never really understood this car until I drove one.” That’s the “GOTCHA!” moment.

Make some time, get comfortable, and check out some Corvette forums, such as SmokinVette.com. It’s very fun, educational, engaging, and a good way to meet like-minded people the “get” the Corvette passion. Enough said! -KST

For more information or questions about Why A Corvette Forum Matters please visit the Smokinvette Group at www.smokinvette.com