First time caller

I'll admit growing up riding the first waves of the Internet, I'm rather adept at finding information in this information age. If I can't find something right away,  I'll scower forums and build threads until the information arrives.

Always a long time listener, first time caller, I prefer a certain amount of anonymity, lurker status at times. Although not one to shy away from saying something stupid, I am usually rather calculated when I post or comment on something that will enjoy an eternity on the web.

So, when the hair brained thoughts and ideas build to a braking point, I'll turn to the advice and guidance of my peers. At times I've been rewarded with great advice or suggestions from people that have gone down the road I'm on, or ones very similar. There truly are great people on some forums, genuinely willing to help. Then again there are some that are using air better suited for footballs.

However, from time to time my ideas are so far gone that any public display of my idiotness (new word) is begging to be flamed on the Internet. Not wanting a legacy of being "that guy" while still feeling my question is valid, I've turned to direct my questions at the source.

Some manufacturers have their own dedicated forums where information can be gathered and past in direct contact with people that have the knowledge and experience with a given product. While this exchange is invaluable, any lurking passers-by can stop and enjoy in your experience. Almost like the state of television anymore, just a glimpse into someone's life and struggles.

As great a resource as this is, there are times when one might want a more one on one consultation. Usually the answer for this is under the "contact us" heading. A little link where they suggest that you take the time to fire off any questions or concerns you may have about said product line.

Now is where things get tricky with my mention of hair brained ideas. So I take to the Internet to "contact us" with some very direct question. While I mention my fondness for their products and about this little corner of the web, the center is my quest to find a product not offered on the intronet.

The big ship needs to go around a corner, and I've driven and owned to many small German cars to accept the vauge decisions made by the helm of the Black Pearl.

"Can you provide a manual14:1 steering gear for a trifive?"

"No, we make a 16:1 gear"

"Is there any advantages or disadvantages to that ratio?"

"It's just what's available."

So much for going straight to the source, maybe I'll call next time.