General Journal Natter

[Moonraker]

Yes, I have said much the same. I subscribe to the Malcolm Saville magazine (same format as the EBSJ) and IMHO it is an inferior journal in spite of having a team of staff.

[pete9012S]

I hope John is not too busy to see the replies to his post a few posts back.
I for one suspended working on a complex mechanical job on my car to reply to his post!

[John Pickup]

Yes, I have seen the replies, Pete and I'm sure Tony will appreciate them.
I haven't been busy at all, Pete, unlike yourself. I very much hope you have finished the complex mechanical job on your car satisfactorily. I know how hard it is changing a bulb.

[pete9012S]

Close, but it was the delicate procedure of topping up the screen wash!!!

[Moonraker]

In all this hilarity, John raises a valid point (or was it Pete?!). Does an unanswered post imply it was boring/pointless/uninteresting/a waste of time? Or does it seem that many people have read it - and if agreed with it, and saw no need to reply? Personally, I read many posts on different forums and often see no need to reply unless I have something to add.

Now, I must get back to looking for dog poo*.

*Believe me, I am being serious.

[Julie2owlsdene]

The joys of looking after a dog, Moonraker.

Yes, I agree regarding the Journal. A well packed journal always, and excellently put together.

I don't always read posts on line much these days, as I'm not as keen as I was sitting at a computer looking at a screen, so well done to Tony for doing all this screen work. So generally I do miss out a lot on posts, but that doesn't mean the poster has written something boring, just that I haven't looked

[Boodi 2]

Interesting point about unanswered posts, as if I have nothing substantial to add I often find it difficult to know if I should write something like "Yes, I agree" to indicate that the post has been read or just move on and ignore it.

On the subject of cars (although perhaps this is more suitable for the Jokes section that General Journal Natter), after 18 months we are still very happy with our "new" car and the low fuel consumption is a blessing in these days of crazy fuel prices. Our only complaint is that the horn is dreadful...instead of hooting like most other cars we have had the Skoda Fabia just emits a high-pitched squeak when the horn is pressed! My husband often sounds the horn to clear birds off the road and with our other cars they scattered immediately as soon as the horn sounded. However, the squeak does not seem to have the same effect and I often wonder if they are laughing at us!!!

[Moonraker]

I haven't had a decent horn for years. A pity there isn't an app that could change the sound!

Interesting point about unanswered posts, as if I have nothing substantial to add I often find it difficult to know if I should write something like "Yes, I agree" to indicate that the post has been read or just move on and ignore it.

That is where a "Like" button would be useful. We tried it on another forum, but sadly, it came with several other options which got abused and upset people. The Beer & Pubs forum which I administrate has a feature where you can just like a post - that would be ideal.

[Boatbuilder]

Is that the normal sound of that make/model of car's horn, Monique?

I found this on Youtube but it is from 2011 so may not resemble yours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH_tZ61tKsQ

[Boodi 2]

Thanks John! I have no idea what other Skoda Fabias sound like, but the "single fanfare" in the video does resemble the high-pitched squeak emitted by our 2019 model. The "double fanfare" sounded much better, more like our previous cars (mainly Volvos). I must look in the handbook to see if pressing the horn for longer might produce a more favourable effect, as I really think that as a warning signal our horn is as good as useless.

Difficult to know about a "like" function, although if used properly it would be beneficial and save both time and space.

[Moonraker]

Although guilty myself, it is interesting that people might be too busy to comment on the Journal, but have plenty of time to comment on car horns!

[pete9012S]

I think you need to get your priorities in order Nigel.

When hundreds of Journal man hours by Tony are up against a honk, a parp or even an authoritative sounding toot you know quite well which is more important!

[John Pickup]

Quite right Pete and Nigel. We don't want Enid Blyton content getting in the way of a good honking.

[pete9012S]

If I may be so forward and ask when is the next Journal roughly due?
Will be a Christmassy one?
I do hope so.

Honk once for yes, twice for no, three honks if you're not sure!

[Anita Bensoussane]

As far as I know, Tony has finished putting Journal 79 together but it usually spends a few weeks at the printer's. There is certainly a fair amount of seasonal content - some to do with Christmas and some to do with winter/late autumn. Plenty of goodies to brighten up these darkening days!