When you join a message board or internet forum there are usually certain protocols that apply. They generally vary from one forum or board to another, but a few things seem to apply anywhere. I figgered I'd toss off a few of 'em for y'all to read. They ain't in any particular order, except the disorder existing in my mind, so don't attach any importance to that order. Or disorder. Whatever....

1) Typing in ALL CAPS is considered SHOUTING. Generally, shouting is frowned upon on the internet just like it is most other places. Of course if you just gotta SHOUT, GO 'HEAD! Just be ready for the slings and arrows outraged ear damaged forum members will chunk your way. (Apologies to The Bard.)

2) Before asking a question about ANYTHING (yeah, I meant to SHOUT), learn how to do a Search. There are many topics that have been covered and maybe your question has already been answered. Two or three times, most likely. Admin has created a couple sections (Harley Bike Forums, Tech Forums, Do It Yourself Forums) that may have answers, also. Look in them.

3) While there are many great folks in here that can give you assistance on nearly every problem your bike can suffer, there are also a couple things you can do, too. If you plan on riding a bike, get a service manual. If you can't cough up the bucks for the jen-u-whine HD manual, get a Clymer's, Chilton's, or Hayne's version. Sometimes the manual will actually have information that you can use to do things like, oh, change your oil, or trace out a wire, or adjust a belt or chain. If you ain't the wrench-type, no big deal; you'll get help on here. After all, we ain't all rocket scientists.

4) Remember that whenever you post something the rest of us can't hear the tone of your voice, see your facial expressions, or watch your hand and arm motions. Lotsa times things get misunderstood, so think before you hit the "OK" button, send the post on its way, and make a copper-plated fool outta yourself. If what you sent gets misconstrued, don't get all bent outta shape, just attempt to straighten the mess out. If the person on the other end is a jerk, most of us will figger that out right quick. 'Course that means if you're a jerk, we'll figger that out, too.

5) Learn to use the Private Message setup. It's available by clicking on "Inbox", at the top of the page. This keeps from cluttering up message threads and wasting bandwidth with stuff better meant as notes passed between a couple folks.

6) Pictures. Good grief. Picture problems come up all the time. There's a couple explanations on the forums on how to post 'em. If you read 'em and still can't get it done, no problem; ask away. One thing to remember - big pictures: They take a lot of time to load, especially for us po' souls on dial-up. And it is irritating as a flea bite when the pic is so big ya gotta scroll to the right to see it all. Messes up the continuity of the thread, y'know? Ya didn't know? Well now you do, so keep the pic sized so it fits in the regular screen.

7) Some of us have been riding longer than others have been breathing. We've picked up a few things along the way that might help you enjoy riding that HD. We've also probably picked up some bad habits, some prejudices, and maybe even some misinformation, along that same way. And being ol' coots, we'll often make sure to let you know any, and usually all, of the above. It's up to you to separate the chaff from the wheat.

7) Just 'cause Harley says so, don't necessarily make it so. Otherwise there wouldn't be S&S, Paughco, and all those other companies out there doing things as well as, or even better than, HD. And that bloody well includes oil, gear lube, and snot rags.