[Shale]

This is required reading for all DOBC members.

It has come to my attention that though we have a free, comfortable and helpful atmosphere within the forums, there have been some distasteful elements spread around the fringes of the culture we have formed here at DOBC.

Rather than name and shame, I am going to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the mission of this club and the cultural expectations both here and outside. I'm sure for most this is already abundantly clear.

1) We do not nag or harrass other people to buy a BC/BF Legacy simply because we personally believe they are superior, they are making a comeback, or for any other reason. People have chosen the car they drive for a reason. No one has the right to question your choice, nor should you theirs.

2) We do not put this club in overt preference to other websites toward other people - the purpose of DOBC is to work hand-in-hand with the WHOLE Subaru community, to unify us under a common interest and promote the obvious: driver skill, safe driving practises, community spirit and helpfulness. We consider ourselves closely tied with at least one other club and while we don't always agree on policies, there is no reason to manufacture a divide.

3) DOBC is not an elitist society. It is NOT an elitist society! We are unified under one BC/BF-loving umbrella and we take great pride in the cars we race and restore. This is no reason to engage in Tall Poppy Syndrome and reflect badly upon ourselves. We are not a closed society either, nor are we a cult brotherhood. The DOBC shirts are promotional/identity material, not a uniform. There is great joy in shared interest, but putting on a front hurts only ourselves. Remember what we represent.

4) Windscreen cards are for WINDSCREENS. Either this or direct to hand for relevant contacts. If you're unsure about placement, please PM either myself or a forum moderator.

5) Forwarding our details to people - read: advertising - is much appreciated, but please keep it relevant to the context in which it is given and PLEASE don't spam.

Keep in mind that this announcement is based on actual feedback I have recieved from outside. Most members have merged with the culture here wonderfully and have actively made it the vibrant and friendly 'home' we consider it, but there seems to be a slightly different face being presented to the public. This concerns me, and it should concern everyone else here too.

DOBC is a young club and etiquette/behaviour standards need to be set from early on. Remember, when you represent the club you represent us all. Membership growth cannot continue if a bad reputation precedes the good.

From this moment forward I expect to recieve no more complaints from non-members on this topic. If I do, respective members will be spoken to in private. If anything remains unclear, you are welcome to PM me in regards to this.